Kate Middleton Receives a New Royal Title
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has become the first member of the British royal family to be recognized as a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the Order of Companions of Honour.
Prince Charles III bestowed upon Middleton, the wife of his son Prince William, this historic title, which is one of the highest royal honors in the United Kingdom.
After the Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer, this royal title was a support for her, recognizing Kate‘s commitment to organizations such as the “Little Princess Trust” and her personal initiative for childhood development, “Shaping Us.”
This title has previously been awarded to several celebrities such as Sir David Attenborough, David Hockney, Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sir Elton John, who were previously honored as members of the order.
King George V instituted this order in 1917 to recognize achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service.
Additionally, King Charles awarded Prince William the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the highest honor, a British chivalric order instituted by George I in 1725, considered the fourth highest rank in British chivalry.
King Charles also bestowed upon his wife, Queen Camilla, the title of “Grand Master” and the Order of the “Dame Grand Cross,” the highest distinction of the British Empire, instituted by King George V in June 1917.
