The award was in recognition of Noor Hisham’s contributions to surgery in Malaysia.

Istana Negara, in a post on its Facebook page, said the royal couple expressed joy and pride on the conferment of the honour, which had boosted Malaysia’s name on the world stage.

“The award proves that Malaysia is capable of producing individuals of quality, calibre and international standard,” the post said.

Noor Hisham received the medal from RCSEd president Prof Michael Griffin at a dinner at the college in Edinburgh to welcome their honorary fellow, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who is also the royal chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Also in attendance was Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.