A royal commentator has analysed what the Princess of Wales’s new “wonderful” prestigious title given to her by King Charles means.
Princess Kate speaking
Princess Kate’s new honour granted to her by her father-in-law, King Charles was described as a welcome “boost” at a difficult time for the royal who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
The Princess of Wales was this week appointed Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.
In a royal first, the prestigious role recognises Kate’s 13-year service as a working member of the Royal Family and her support and interest in the arts. Kate is the first royal to be a Royal Companion in the Order’s 107-year history.
Current members of the Order include Sir David Attenborough, Margaret Attwood, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John, and previously Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Winston Churchill.
Now a royal commentator has touched down on the future queen’s new award as they explain why it’s come at the ‘right’ time.
Kate smiling in announcement video
The Princess of Wales announced she has been diagnosed with cancer
Newsweek Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston told Sky News: “It’s part of the honour system that is there for people who have made a fantastic contribution to science, culture and politics. So you’ve got everybody from Anna Wintour, Winston Churchill and David Attenborough.”
The commentator added: “Kate is the first-ever royal companion to the Order, so this is a huge honour that Charles has given her and it’s come at a time when she really needs a boost, so it’s wonderful to see.”
Asked what the title means, Mr Ryoston said: “It’s mainly there for show really. She will one day be Queen and that will trump all other titles. But it is still a welcome boost at a difficult time.”
The princess is currently taking time off royal duties while she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer, after she bravely announced her diagnosis in an emotional video message last month.
Princess Kate is the first royal to be a Royal Companion in the Order’s 107-year history
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace said the monarch recommended the special honour for his “beloved daughter-in-law”, with appointees to the Companions of Honour in the gift of the Cabinet Office.
The King’s decision, who is also being treated for cancer, to suggest Kate for the honour is to be seen as a major show of support for the princess amid the challenges she is facing, according to reports.
The Order of the Companions of Honour – limited to just 65 people at a time – was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognise outstanding achievements in the Arts, Sciences, Medicine and Public Service.
