In September 2022, Kate Middleton received one of her greatest honors when she became the Princess of Wales, following King Charles’s accession to the throne after Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

One day, she will be known as Queen Consort—a title that reflects her non-royal origins—but it’s unlikely to unsettle her. Among her titles, one in particular stands out: in April 2024, on St. George’s Day, she became the first royal in history to be named a Royal Companion of the Order of the Garter of the Companions of Honor.

A First for the Royal Family

Kate was granted the rare distinction by the King just 18 months after assuming the title of Princess of Wales. According to the Royal Insider, her appointment marked the first time a royal family member had ever been included in the Companions of Honor.

The order, founded by King George V—Charles’s great-grandfather—recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in areas such as the arts, medicine, science, and public service. While membership is limited to 65 individuals at a time, Kate’s inclusion as a Royal Companion was seen as a significant gesture of support from Charles. The recognition came the same year that both he and Kate publicly revealed their cancer diagnoses within weeks of each other.

Dedication to the Arts

Kate’s recognition did not come as a surprise, given her deep ties to the arts. She serves as patron of the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Photographic Society, and the V&A, roles that underscore her commitment.

Prince William also received a new role from his father, being named Great Master of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath—a position Charles himself once held before passing it on. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla was appointed Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, a role previously held by the late Prince Philip.

Additional Titles and Appointments

Beyond her historic appointment, Kate already holds several important royal titles. As the future Queen, she is the Duchess of Cornwall, a title formerly held by Camilla, as well as the Countess of Chester and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, she is recognized as the Countess of Carrick and Baroness of Renfrew, and she is also titled Lady of the Isles.

Following Charles’s accession, she also received new military appointments. She now serves as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of both RAF Coningsby and the Air Cadets.

Her Future as Queen Consort

According to PEOPLE, Kate’s eventual title of Queen Consort is distinct from that of a Queen regnant, such as the late Queen Elizabeth. Unlike a regnant monarch, who rules in her own right, a consort’s position stems from marriage. At present, Camilla holds the same title as the spouse of King Charles.