Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, 38, became part of the Royal Family when she married Prince William on April 29, 2011. To mark their eighth wedding anniversary Queen Elizabeth II gifted Kate an important royal honour.
The Queen made Kate Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
The honorary title is the highest rank in a form of chivalry personally granted by the sovereign to recognize one’s service.
The honour saw Kate join the ranks of several other important Royal Family members.
These include Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
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Medal holders are associated with the order but are not fully-fledged members.
Different sashes and vestments reflect are given to members to reflect their status within the order.
All members are given the badge of the Maltese cross medal with a central medallion depicting on a red background the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria surrounded by a blue ring bearing the motto of the order – VICTORIA – and surmounted by a Tudor crown.
As a Dame Grand Cross, Kate wears her badge on a sash passing from the right shoulder to the left hip.
