The Princess of Wales, Kate, aged 42, has been bestowed with a rare distinction by the King in acknowledgment of her extensive public service. She has been appointed to The Order of the Companions of Honour, an organization established by King George V in 1917 to commend exceptional accomplishments in the realms of arts, sciences, medicine, and public service. This appointment marks a historic milestone as it is the first instance of a royal family member being honored in the order’s century-long legacy, according to sources from The Mail.
Insiders reveal that the appointment serves as a testament to the “immense regard” the princess garners from her father-in-law, King Charles. Beyond expressing gratitude for her steadfast dedication to the Crown since her marriage to Prince William nearly 13 years ago, it also acknowledges her significant contributions to the arts.
The Princess of Wales has been granted a distinct honor by the King, acknowledging her extensive years of public service, following her appointment to The Order of the Companions of Honour. Above: Charles and Kate pictured at the premiere of the James Bond film No Time To Die in 2021.
As a passionate photographer, Kate serves as a patron of The Royal Photographic Society and The National Portrait Gallery. She also spearheaded the poignant lockdown photography project, Hold Still.
While the appointment isn’t directly conferred by the King, it is recommended by him and formalized by the Cabinet Office.
The Order of the Companions of Honour, whose ceremonial center is The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, is limited to 65 members from the Commonwealth.
Kate joins esteemed company among current members, including Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Roy Strong, Sir Paul McCartney, and JK Rowling.
Her appointment is part of a series of new honors announced by His Majesty, which also include recognitions for four senior royals.
Reports indicate that the honor symbolizes the “great esteem” in which the princess is held by her father-in-law, King Charles. Right: The distinction.
Queen Camilla will assume the role of Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a customary appointment for the spouse of the monarch.
Former Grand Masters have included Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who assumed the position upon Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and held it until his passing in 2021. Others who have held this esteemed title include Queen Mary and King George VI during his time as Prince of Wales.
The Order of the British Empire was instituted by King George V in 1917 to recognize outstanding contributions from a diverse array of individuals, both military and civilian.
Prince William has also received recognition, being appointed as Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, following in the footsteps of his father during his time as Prince of Wales. This ancient order, established by King George I in 1725 but with roots possibly dating back to the 8th century, honors members of the military or civil service for exemplary service.
On St George’s Day, in keeping with tradition, four new companions to the Order of the Garter, Britain’s oldest order of chivalry, have been announced. Among them is the Duchess of Gloucester, married to the late Queen’s cousin and still an active member of the royal family, who will become a Royal Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This appointment recognizes her decades of loyal service to the monarch and the numerous charities and organizations she supports.
New Knight Companions include Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, the UK’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans and former military head of NATO, as well as Lord Kakkar, President of the Thrombosis Research Institute and Chairman of The King’s Fund.
The most notable appointment is Lord Lloyd-Webber, the UK’s preeminent living composer, renowned for composing the scores of iconic musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar. He also owns six of London’s most prominent West End theaters.
Each June, the Garter is celebrated with a procession and service held in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The appointment of Knights and Ladies of the Garter is solely at the discretion of the monarch and is made without Prime Ministerial advice or interference.
