Princess Kate’s new title, given to her by King Charles III, has come at a time where she needs a “boost” as she continues her cancer treatment while taking time out of the public eye, a British news show has heard.
To mark St George’s Day in England on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace announced a series of new honors given to members of the royal family and high-profile public figures by the king. Among them, was a brand new title created specially for Kate, that of the Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.
Kate’s relationship with Charles has taken on increased public focus since he acceded to the throne in 2022, spiking in 2024 as it was revealed that both royals have been diagnosed with, and are being treated for, forms of cancer.
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Charles’ appointment of his daughter-in-law to the order, whose membership is personally overseen by the monarch to honor people who have made significant contributions to public service, the arts and sciences, is a touching mark of respect and admiration at a difficult time for them both.
Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, Newsweek‘s chief royal correspondent, Jack Royston, told anchor Kay Burley that the new title is an important one for Kate but, all being well, will be superseded by one more senior in the future.
“She is a Companion of Honour now,” Royston said of Kate. “So, it’s a part of the honors system that is there for people who have made a fantastic contribution to kind of science and culture, so you’ve got everyone from Anna Wintour to politicians as well, Winston Churchill is a part of it and David Attenborough. Now, Kate is the first ever Royal Companion to the order.”
The Order of The Companions of Honour was founded in 1917 by King George V and their number is limited to 65 plus the monarch and now plus Kate too. Charles counts a number of the current companions (mostly appointed by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II) as friends, such as Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
“This is a huge accolade that Charles has given her and it’s come at a time where she really needs a boost, so it’s wonderful to see,” Royston said of Kate’s inclusion.
Reflecting on the gesture and what it means, he noted that Kate’s position as the wife of the future king means that this will not be the last title she adds to her growing list.
“It’s mainly there for show really and she will one day be queen and that will trump all other titles,” he said. “But it is still a welcome boost at a difficult time.”
Though Kate’s role comes with no power or political responsibility, it could see her attend milestone events at the order’s home chapel which is the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, the redbrick Tudor residence on the banks of the Thames.
While the new appointment is a boost for Kate, she is not expected to make a return to public life until after she has completed her course of preventative chemotherapy and made headway in her recovery, upon the advice of doctors.
When she announced her cancer news in March, the princess said: “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Newsweek approached Kensington Palace via email for comment.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
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