In a historic moment for the British royal family, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been bestowed a prestigious new title by King Charles III, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a senior royal. Buckingham Palace announced on April 23, 2024, that the King appointed Catherine as the Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour, making her the first member of the royal family to ever receive this distinguished honor. This appointment, confirmed by the palace, underscores Catherine’s growing influence and dedication to public service, particularly in the arts, as she continues her recovery from a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The Order of the Companions of Honour, founded by King George V in 1917, is a revered accolade recognizing outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service over an extended period. With a limited membership of 65 individuals, the order includes luminaries such as Sir Winston Churchill, Sir David Attenborough, Sir Elton John, and J.K. Rowling. Catherine’s appointment as the Royal Companion is a unique distinction, setting her apart as the first royal to join this elite group. The honor reflects her longstanding commitment to the arts, evidenced by her patronage of institutions like the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Photographic Society.
The announcement came on St. George’s Day, a significant occasion for the monarchy, during a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The timing of the honor coincides with a challenging period for the royal family, as both King Charles and Catherine are undergoing cancer treatment. The King, diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, has expressed profound admiration for his daughter-in-law’s courage, particularly following her public announcement of her own diagnosis in March 2024. In a statement, Buckingham Palace noted that His Majesty is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.” This shared health struggle has deepened their bond, with royal sources describing Catherine as “like the daughter he never had.”
Catherine’s new title is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to her evolving role within the monarchy. Since her marriage to Prince William in 2011, she has taken on increasingly prominent responsibilities, earning widespread respect for her dedication to causes such as early childhood development, mental health, and the arts. Her appointment as Royal Companion acknowledges her contributions to public life and her ability to connect with communities across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The Order’s motto, “in action faithful and in honour clear,” aptly reflects Catherine’s approach to her royal duties, characterized by sincerity and a commitment to meaningful impact.
Alongside Catherine’s historic honor, King Charles also bestowed new titles on other senior royals. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was named Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a position previously held by Charles before his ascension to the throne in 2022. This order, established in 1725 by King George I, recognizes exemplary service in the military or civil service. Queen Camilla was appointed Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a role previously held by Prince Philip from 1953 to 2021. These appointments highlight the King’s efforts to reorganize and strengthen the royal family’s roles within the British honors system during a period of personal and institutional challenges.
Catherine’s journey through her cancer treatment has been closely followed by the public, with her resilience earning widespread admiration. In a video message on March 22, 2024, she revealed that tests following a planned abdominal surgery in January had detected cancer, leading to a course of preventative chemotherapy. Despite the challenges of treatment, she has made a phased return to public duties, including a notable appearance at the King’s official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, on June 15, 2024. Her presence at the event, where she wore a white dress adorned with an Irish Guards badge, was a powerful symbol of her commitment to her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position she assumed in 2022.
The decision to honor Catherine during this period is seen as a gesture of support and recognition from King Charles, who has faced his own health struggles with dignity. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People magazine that the King and Catherine share a “very good bond,” strengthened by their shared experiences. The appointment also serves as a counterpoint to recent tensions, such as those reported by The Daily Beast in June 2025, when Catherine’s last-minute withdrawal from Royal Ascot due to health concerns sparked speculation. Sources close to the palace emphasized that her health remains the priority, and her absence was a pragmatic decision rather than a slight to royal tradition.
The Order of the Companions of Honour is based at the Chapel Royal of Hampton Court Palace, where members are entitled to wear a special badge featuring their coat of arms during ceremonial occasions. Catherine’s inclusion in this order places her among an illustrious group of contributors to British society, further cementing her legacy as a modern royal. As she continues her recovery and resumes her duties, this unprecedented honor underscores her significance within the monarchy and her enduring impact on public life.
This historic moment, confirmed by Buckingham Palace, not only celebrates Catherine’s contributions but also signals the monarchy’s resilience amid adversity. As the Princess of Wales, Catherine continues to inspire with her grace, dedication, and ability to navigate personal challenges while fulfilling her public role. The royal family’s collective strength, reflected in these new appointments, ensures that the monarchy remains a steadfast institution, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
