King Charles Bestows Historic Royal Title on Kate Middleton Amidst Personal Health Battles
In a poignant ceremony that underscored both celebration and personal challenges, King Charles III honored his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, with a historic royal title, reflecting both her contributions and the deep familial ties within the Windsor family. The event was marked by a sense of gravity as both the King and the Princess of Wales are currently battling cancer.
On Tuesday, in a regal ceremony held at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, King Charles appointed Kate Middleton as a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. This prestigious recognition makes the Princess of Wales the first royal family member to ever receive this accolade since its inception by King George V in 1917. Harper’s Bazaar reports that the Order is one of the highest distinctions in the United Kingdom, acknowledging significant achievements in the fields of arts, science, medicine, and public service. This illustrious group includes figures such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, and J.K. Rowling, and currently comprises 65 members.
The same event also saw Prince William, Kate’s husband, appointed as the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a title previously held by Charles when he was the Prince of Wales. The King’s wife, Queen Camilla, was similarly honored, being appointed as the Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a position formerly held by Prince Philip until 2021.
These appointments on April 23, celebrated as St. George’s Day in the U.K., carry a significant weight, coming at a time when both King Charles and Princess Kate are dealing with serious health issues. Buckingham Palace had earlier disclosed that Charles is undergoing treatment for a cancer discovered during a routine medical procedure, while Kate shared in a recent video that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for her own cancer battle.
This shared struggle has evidently brought the monarch and his daughter-in-law closer. During a state visit to Kenya in 2023, King Charles affectionately referred to Middleton as “my beloved daughter-in-law,” recalling the memorable proposal of Prince William to Kate in Kenya in 2010. The strong bond between the king and the princess is evident during public appearances, where they are often seen sharing affectionate gestures.
Author Sally Bedell Smith, known for her royal biographies, highlighted this bond in her discussions with People magazine, noting that the pair not only share interests in arts and culture but now a personal battle against cancer, adding a profound layer to their relationship. “Obviously, they have this in common and can only bring them closer,” Smith commented, underscoring the mutual support and consolation they provide to each other during these challenging times.