Colonel of the Irish Guards

Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards

Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm

Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby

Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets

A Historic Honour from King Charles

In April 2024, King Charles awarded Kate Middleton another significant title on St George’s Day. Buckingham Palace announced that she had been appointed a Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour — making her the first member of the royal family ever to receive this distinction.

The Order, founded by King George V (King Charles’ great-grandfather), recognises exceptional contributions in the fields of the arts, science, medicine, and public service. Among its 65 members are iconic figures like Elton John and Paul McCartney.

Kate’s appointment was not only historic but also seen as a gesture of support from King Charles, as both he and the princess had publicly revealed cancer diagnoses just weeks apart.

Championing the Arts

Kate’s involvement in the arts made her a natural fit for the Companions of Honour. She serves as patron for several prestigious cultural institutions, including:

The National Portrait Gallery

The Royal Photographic Society

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

Honours for William and Camilla

Prince William also received a notable title: Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a role his father once held before becoming king. The title was passed on to William after Charles ascended the throne.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla was named Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire — a position once held by Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s late husband.