King Charles III made some royal moves the same day Prince Louis turned six. The Monarch made several new appointments on April 23, giving his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, a very special title. Yep, Charles made her Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. And guess what? She’s the first royal ever to get this title. Well, Prince William didn’t stay aloof from the ceremony, snatching a title himself, too! Read on to know all about it!
King Charles III: Charles Honours The Royals with New Titles
The Order of the Companions of Honour was a title that came into being back in 1917 by King George V. It recognises outstanding contributions in the fields of arts, sciences, medicine, and public service.
Some notable members include Elton John, Anna Wintour, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Princess Kate gets the big title amid her and the King’s health crisis.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell reveals that King Charles III sees Kate as a daughter and has a strong urge to protect her. “They are in this together, Kate and the King,” Sally added. Additionally, Buckingham Palace even gave props for her bravery in sharing her cancer battle on March 22.
A royal source cited Kate and Charles as “two patients going through a common health experience.” So, they are bound to have a close connection.
Meanwhile, Prince William also got a nod from King Charles III to be the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. The spot had been vacant since 2022 when Charles took the throne.
The Order of the Bath dates back to King George I in 1725. It gives props to people who contribute significantly to military or civil services. Now, onto the next royal member—Queen Camilla!
King Charles III honoured her with a fresh title. She got the Grand Master and First Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Order has been around since 1917 to celebrate all sorts of people, from the military to civilians. It comprises five classes, the two most senior, making the recipient a knight or dame.
Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Gloucester Join the Mix
Furthermore, let’s talk about the Order of the Garter. King Charles III appoints new Companions on April 23, honouring England’s patron saint, St. George. King Charles III named four new members to join the club this year.
There’s also a royal among the four- the Duchess of Gloucester. The 77-year-old Duchess is the wife of late Elizabeth’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester. She’s the first non-blood royal to get this honour without marrying a monarch or heir.
The other new members of the Order are Air Chief Marshal Lord Peach, the Right Honourable Lord Kakkar, and Lord Lloyd-Webber. And get this: the Order of the Garter is the oldest Order of Chivalry in the U.K. King Edward III founded the Order nearly 700 years ago.
The royals organise this fancy procession and service every year at Windsor Castle. The members usually sport velvet robes and ostrich feather hats.
Other royals in the Order include Queen Camilla and Prince William. It’s all about keeping it regal! Which is your favourite Order, and what makes it stand out to you? Tell us in the comments, and don’t miss out on more royal scoops at TV Season & Spoilers!