On 23 April 2024, King Charles III appointed Catherine, Princess of Wales, a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. The appointment took effect that day. TIME reported, citing confirmation from the Prince and Princess of Wales’s press office, that she was the first member of the royal family to hold the title.
What is Catherine’s new royal role?
Her appointment is as a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. The Royal Household described it as a new appointment to the order, rather than announcing a new executive post or a set of additional duties. The notice does not specify a new workload or explain why the King selected her. The Royal Household’s announcement is dated 23 April 2024.
What does the Order of the Companions of Honour recognise?
Founded by King George V in 1917, the order recognises outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service, according to the Royal Household. TIME reported that the order has 65 members at a time, with honorary members in addition to that core membership; the Palace announcement does not give a membership figure.
Why is the appointment described as a historic first?
TIME reported that Catherine was the first member of the royal family to hold the Royal Companion title, attributing the confirmation to the Prince and Princess of Wales’s press office. The Palace notice confirms her appointment but does not itself make the first-ever claim. TIME’s report provides that attribution.
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Is this the same as becoming Princess of Wales?
No. Catherine became Princess of Wales in September 2022, after King Charles announced the title in his first address as monarch. The Royal Companion appointment is a separate honour made in 2024. The Guardian noted that the Princess of Wales title had not been formally used since Diana’s death in 1997. The Guardian’s report covers the 2022 title announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What other royal appointments were announced that day?
The King also made separate appointments for Prince William and Queen Camilla. They are not part of Catherine’s appointment:
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- Prince William: appointed Great Master of the Order of the Bath, established in 1725 and awarded to military or civil-service members for exemplary service.
- Queen Camilla: appointed Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, founded in 1917 to honour a broader cross section of military and civilian society.
Both appointments were included in the Royal Household’s 23 April 2024 announcement.
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