On the occasion of Prince Louis’s sixth birthday, Kate Middleton, who is undergoing medical treatment for cancer, received a surprise from her father-in-law, King Charles.
The monarch, aged 75, appointed Princess Catherine as the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, marking a historic first for her.
Princess Catherine is the first Royal Companion to be bestowed with this honor, according to reports.
Established by King George V in 1917, the Companion of Honour is a prestigious award recognizing contributions to the arts, science, medicine, and government over an extended period.
There are only 65 members at any given time, including notable figures like David Attenborough, Elton John, Anna Wintour, Judi Dench, and Maggie Smith.
This appointment isn’t the first honorary title Princess Catherine has received from King Charles. In September 2022, she was named the new Colonel of the Irish Guards at the age of 42, inheriting the title from her husband, Prince William. This title was originally bestowed upon Prince William by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, just months before his marriage to Princess Catherine at Westminster Abbey.
