The King has made the Princess of Wales a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour.

The Order was founded in 1917 by King George V and recognises contributions to public service as well as to the arts, medicine and science.

It is the first time a member of the Royal Family has been appointed to the Order in its history.

Buckingham Palace announced the honour on St. George’s Day as it was also revealed that the Duchess of Gloucester has been made a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

The Duchess is one of four new appointments to the oldest order of chivalry in Britain. The others are Lord Peach, the Lord Kakkar and Lord Lloyd-Webber.

The Prince of Wales has been made Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.

Queen Camilla is appointed as Grand Master and Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.