Queen Grants Kate Middleton Prestigious Royal Honour

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, officially became a member of the royal family on April 29, 2011, upon her marriage to Prince William.

In celebration of their 8th wedding anniversary, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon Kate a significant royal honor.

This distinguished title, known as Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), is the highest rank in a form of chivalry personally granted by the Sovereign to acknowledge one's service.

Kate now joins the esteemed ranks of other prominent royal family members who have received this remarkable honor.

Among those who share this prestigious title are Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Princess Anne was appointed as Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2007 and also holds the esteemed position of Grand Master, a role bestowed upon her by the Queen in the same year.

Sophie Countess of Wessex, wife of Prince Edward, was honored with the title in 2010, while both Prince Andrew and Prince Edward were named Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2011.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was granted this esteemed title in 2012.

Prince Philip, the Queen's husband and consort, held numerous honorary titles before being appointed as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2017, coinciding with his retirement from public duties that same year.

Membership in the Royal Victorian Order is not restricted to royal family members but can be conferred upon any Commonwealth individual for exceptional service to the Sovereign.

Unlike knighthoods, which require ministerial advice, the decision to bestow membership in the Royal Victorian Order rests solely with the Queen.

Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order, known as members, are distinguished by various sashes and vestments that signify their status within the Order.

All members are presented with the Maltese Cross Medal, featuring a central medallion displaying Queen Victoria's Royal Cipher on a red background encircled by a blue ring bearing the Order's motto, Victoria, topped by a cheever crown.