It has been announced that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall as a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
The Order of the Garter is the most senior order within the British Honours, and is awarded at the sole discretion of the Sovereign. It is awarded for contributions to public service or for personal service to the Sovereign.
In 1901, King Edward VII awarded the Order of the Garter to his consort, Queen Alexandra, the first time a woman had been appointed to the Order in 400 years. The tradition continued in 1910 and 1936 when Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were appointed upon their husband’s accessions. In 1947, King George VI appointed The Duke of Edinburgh to the Order.
The appointment of The Duchess of Cornwall is a significant “nod of approval” from The Queen, for her devoted service to the monarchy, and her future role as Consort.
British Monarchy: New Appointments to the Order of the Garter announced