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The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton just snagged herself a royal first amid her cancer battle, making history as the first royal appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honor. On Tuesday, King Charles made a series of new appointments including honors recognizing four senior royals, the Wales royals included. Among them, Prince William and Queen Camilla were named Great Master of the Order of Bath and Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire respectively. Meanwhile, Kate earned an honorary appointment as well, snagging a spot specifically created for her.
Kate Middleton Receives History-Making Royal Honor
With her new appointment as a member of the Order of the Companions of Honor, Kate Middleton became the first royal in history to join the order. While the order boasts of a rigorously handpicked 65 members from across the Commonwealth, Kate earned her place among legends for her public service, on the recommendation of the monarch.
King Charles set aside a special role within the Order of the Companions for Kate Middleton, who would thus be known as the Royal Companion, the first in history, in recognition of her years of outstanding public service. The order, founded in 1917 by King George V, recognizes outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service.
In the last 13 years as a member of the British royal family following her marriage to Prince Williams, Kate has served as a senior royal, winning the hearts of the people, and apparently, the monarch. King Charles revealed the honor bestowed on his “beloved daughter-in-law” was a recognition of the “esteem she is held.”
Ultimately, Kate Middleton is on par with the likes of JK Rowling, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir David Attenborough and Dame Maggie Smith among other previous recipients of the Order of the Companions Honor.
Prince William and Queen Camilla Recognized for Their Service
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton’s husband Prince William, honored as Great Master of the Most Honorable Order of Bath follows in the footsteps of the monarch, who previously held the title during his time as the Prince of Wales. King Charles awarded his son the title in recognition of his outstanding military and civil service.
On the other hand, Queen Camilla became the Grand Master and First to Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Traditionally bestowed on the partner of the reigning monarch, the late Prince Philip previously held the title, as did Queen Mary, the monarch’s great-grandmother. Notably, the abdicated Edward VIII also held the title during his time as the Prince of Wales.
Kate Middleton’s history-making honor as the Royal Companion within the Order of the Companions comes as her youngest son, Prince Louis turns six. The young prince marked the milestone on April 23, the same day King Charles honored his new appointees.
To mark his big day, the royals shared a jolly photo of Louis on the official Instagram page of the Prince and Princess of Wales, giving Kate the photo credit. Several royal fans stormed the comments with heartfelt wishes for the young prince. Many also recognized the Princess’ skilful photography, putting the photoshop controversy behind them for good.