British monarchy, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been appointed to the prestigious Order of the Garter — the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. The appointment, made official by the Duke of Kent in his role as a senior royal and longtime Knight of the Garter, marks a major milestone in Catherine’s royal journey and further solidifies her position as a future Queen Consort.
The announcement was made during a formal ceremony at Windsor Castle, where the Duke of Kent, 89, personally welcomed the Princess into the ancient order. Known for its deep ties to royal tradition and national service, the Order of the Garter was founded in 1348 by King Edward III and is reserved for those who have rendered extraordinary service to the Crown and the country. Members are personally chosen by the sovereign.
Catherine’s appointment is being widely viewed as both a recognition of her unwavering dedication to royal duty and a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of monarchy. Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Princess of Wales has won admiration for her poise, dignity, and commitment to causes ranging from early childhood development to mental health advocacy.
“The Order of the Garter is not just an honor — it’s a declaration of trust and status within the royal hierarchy,” said royal historian Dr. Olivia Lancaster. “For Catherine to be brought into this circle speaks volumes about her growing influence and the high regard in which she is held by the senior royals, including the King himself.”
The Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and one of the longest-serving royals, played a significant role in the ceremonial aspect of the investiture. His involvement not only added gravitas to the occasion but also reinforced the continuity of royal tradition at a time of transition for the monarchy.
Photos from the ceremony show Catherine in full regalia, wearing the iconic Garter robes and insignia — a deep blue velvet mantle, the Garter star, and the sash bearing the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”). Standing beside the Duke of Kent, she appeared composed and regal, fully stepping into the role of a senior royal with future queenly responsibilities.
Public reaction to the appointment has been overwhelmingly positive, with many royal watchers praising the decision as “long overdue.” Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support, with hashtags like #PrincessOfWales and #OrderOfTheGarter trending across the UK and beyond.