Prince William and Kate Middleton Received Brand New Royal Titles — And Kate’s Is a First

Middleton’s latest appointment is a nod to her work in public service, arts, and medicines.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have added another royal title to their belts, one of which includes a royal first.

King Charles appointed Middleton as the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, which makes her the first ever Royal Companion named to this order. According to the England’s official royal website, the Order of the Companions of Honour is “a special award granted to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time.

Middleton is in good company with the latest appointment. Other members of the Order — which was founded by King George V in 1917 — include Anna Wintour, Elton John, Judi Dench, Stephen Hawking and Maggie Smith.
Prince William, meanwhile, was appointed Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a role that has sat empty since 2022 after Charles became king. Created by King George I in 1725, the Order of the Bath is given members of the military or civil service for their achievements. Charles held the prestigious position from 1974 to 2022.
Queen Camilla was also up for a title refresh — she was appointed the roles of Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Created by King George V in 1917, the Order of the British Empire honors military and civilian achievements within society, with its most senior earners becoming either a knight or dame.

The title appointments comes amid a transitional phase for the British monarchy. As both King Charles and Middleton continue to receive treatments for cancer, the pair has been taking a step back from their royal duties. Camilla and William have stepped in, by shouldering more engagements in recent weeks and returning to royal duties respectively