Princess Kate has been honored with a prestigious title by her father-in-law, King Charles III, as she continues her cancer treatment.
Kate is now the first Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.
On St. George’s Day, the national day of England’s patron saint, Buckingham Palace announced several new honorary appointments to royal orders of chivalry.
There are numerous orders in Britain and the Commonwealth that members of the royal family and the public can be appointed to in recognition of their service to their countries. Most of these are government-controlled, with the king approving their recommendations.
However, a select few chivalric orders are solely in the monarch’s gift, allowing King Charles to choose whom he wishes to honor for their service to the nation and the crown.
His “beloved daughter-in-law” Kate now joins this exclusive group, adding a new title to her already extensive list.
A Gift From the King
The relationship between Kate and King Charles has gained increased public attention since his accession to the throne.
In his inaugural speech as king, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Charles praised the new Princess of Wales, saying: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given.”
At a dinner in Kenya the following year, the king referred to her as his “beloved daughter-in-law,” recalling Prince William’s proposal during a vacation in the country.
When Kate announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22 this year, Charles’ team issued a statement expressing his pride in her and his continuous close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.
Now, the king has demonstrated his affection for Kate by bestowing upon her a new title.
On April 23, Buckingham Palace announced: “His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to appoint Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, GCVO, to be Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.”
This announcement signifies that Charles created this new appointment specifically for her.
The Order of The Companions of Honour
Founded in 1917 by King George V, King Charles’s great-grandfather, The Order of the Companions of Honour recognizes individuals who have made remarkable achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service.
Membership is limited to the monarch and sixty-five members, including Princess Kate as the Royal Companion.
Each chivalric order has an associated home chapel or church where significant milestones and services are held. The Order of the Companions of Honour’s base is at the Chapel Royal of Hampton Court Palace, the historic royal residence on the banks of the River Thames, established by King Henry VIII in the 1530s.
Members are entitled to wear a special badge featuring their coat of arms during special ceremonies and add the initials “C.H.” to their names.
Who’s Who
Besides Kate and the king, there are currently 62 Companions of Honour, with three vacancies.
Notable members include broadcaster and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, former Prime Minister Sir John Major, Academy Award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Membership is not exclusive to British citizens but is also open to Commonwealth nationals. New Zealand-born opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Canadian author Margaret Atwood are among the members.
What Does it Mean?
Membership in the order is a symbolic honor from the monarch recognizing service to the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service. It does not entail any power or political responsibility.
As Royal Companion, Kate is expected to attend events associated with the order, such as anniversary ceremonies, and may also represent the king at the funerals of distinguished members.