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.
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.
