Kate Middleton: She makes history as first member of the Firm to be appointed a Royal Companion

Princess Kate has been a part of the British Royal Family for several years now. Indeed, she married Prince William in 2011 and together they have brought three children into the world, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, 6.

Since joining the Royal Family, Princess Kate has received many titles, one of her first was Duchess of Cambridge. After Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, the Royal Family saw a massive shakeup when it came to Royal titles. Prince William and Princess Kate received several new titles, including Prince and Princess of Wales.

As Princess Kate remains out of action, King Charles has bestowed her a huge honour by giving her a new title and making history at the same time.

King Charles bestows new title on Princess Kate

As reported by Mirror, King Charles has appointed Princess Kate a Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour. The Princess of Wales has made history as she is the first member of the Royal Family to be appointed a Royal Companion in the 107-year history of the order.

It is believed that King Charles bestowed this title to his ‘beloved daughter-in-law' to show his support amid the recent trials she has been facing, from health to media scrutiny.

As per The Telegraph, the Order of the Companions of Honour was created in 1917 by George V to recognise outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service. Only 65 people may be a member of the Order at a time and those who receive the honour wear the initials CH after their name.

Current members of the Order of the Companions of Honour include Sir David Attenborough, Margaret Atwood, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John. Previous members also include Sir Winston Churchill and Professor Stephen Hawking.

According to Mirror, Princess Kate received the honour for her service as a member of the Royal Family but also her support for the arts, indeed, the Princess of Wales is patron to the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Royal Photographic Society.

What other titles does Princess Kate have?

As Princess Kate settles into her new title, it may be worth summarising the numerous titles she has been given over the years. As per Harper's Bazaar, Princess Kate holds 7 Royal titles. The first title she was given was Duchess of Cambridge, which she received upon marrying Prince William in 2011.

She still holds this title even after becoming Princess of Wales after King Charles’ ascension to the throne. Princess Kate also received the title of Duchess of Cornwall, which was also held by King Charles and Queen Camilla, before Queen Elizabeth’s death.

Princess Kate’s Royal Scottish titles are Duchess of Rothesay and Countess of Chester, which she inherited from Queen Camilla when Charles ascended the throne. Princess Kate also holds two Northern Irish titles, Countess of Carrick and Baroness of Renfrew.

Princess Kate has also received several military titles over the years even though she never served. In 2022, she was appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards.

In 2023, Princess Kate was given four new military titles: Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the R.A.F. Coningsby and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets.

Read more:

⋙ Princess Kate and King Charles have developed a sweet relationship over the years

⋙ Duke of Kent steps down as Colonel of the Scots Guards, gives major role to Prince Edward

⋙ King Charles’ grandfather King George VI made a massive royal rule change to give him his title

Sources used:

Mirror: ‘Kate Middleton gets huge new title from King Charles as she continues cancer treatment’

The Telegraph: ‘Princess of Wales becomes first member of the Royal family to join Order of Companions of Honour’

Harpers Bazaar: ‘A Breakdown of Princess Catherine’s Royal Titles Through the Years’