Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, received a significant royal honor from Queen Elizabeth II on her 8th wedding anniversary.

The Queen bestowed upon Kate the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, GCVO.

This prestigious honorary title is the highest rank in a form of chivalry personally granted by the Sovereign to acknowledge one’s service.

By receiving this honor, Kate joins the esteemed ranks of other prominent members of the royal family, such as Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and Camilla, the 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.

In 2010, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, wife of Prince Edward, was also made Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

Furthermore, both Prince Andrew and Prince Edward were appointed Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2011.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, received the title in 2012.

Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband and consort, already held numerous honorary titles before being made Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2017, the year he retired from public duties.

It is worth noting that membership of the Royal Victorian Order is not limited to royal family members; it can be bestowed upon any Commonwealth member for extraordinary service to the Sovereign.

Unlike knighthoods, which require ministerial advice, the decision to make someone a member of the Royal Victorian Order lies solely with the Queen.

While medal holders are associated with the Order, they are not considered full-fledged members.

Different sashes and vestments are given to reflect the status of each member within the Order.

All members receive the badge of the Maltese Cross Medal, featuring a central medallion depicting Queen Victoria’s royal cipher on a red background, surrounded by a blue ring bearing the Order’s motto, Victoria, and topped with a cheever crown.