In recognition of her growing role within the royal family, King Charles granted Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, a new title. She will now also be known as The Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honor. This prestigious honor coincides with the birthday of her youngest son, Prince Louis, who turns six today. To mark this occasion, the palace has released a new portrait.
King Charles revealed he gave the princess the honor of recognizing the 'appreciation' [in which] she is being held.”
This distinguished title, awarded on St. George's Day, recognizes her contributions alongside fellow recipients such as JK Rowling and Sir Elton John, The independent reported.
On a day of royal honor, Prince William was appointed Grand Master of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, and Camilla, the Queen Consort, received the Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
These celebrations come at a challenging time for the royal family, as both the Princess and King Charles battle cancer.
The princess's diagnosis required her to take a complete leave of absence while she underwent preventive chemotherapy. News of her health situation first emerged in January, when the palace announced a planned abdominal surgery and a recovery period stretching until Easter.
After months of speculation, the Princess of Wales announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
News of her diagnosis came just months after King Charles was diagnosed with cancer.