While her youngest son, Prince Louis, celebrates his sixth birthday today, Kate Middleton (who is currently undergoing medical treatment for her cancer diagnosis) received a surprise of her own from her father-in-law, King Charles.

According to People, the monarch, 75, just appointed Princess Catherine as the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. But this isn’t just any royal title; it is a historic first for the princess. Per the outlet, the Princess of Wales is the first Royal Companion named to this position.

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As stated on the official royal family website, the Companion of Honour (founded by King George V in 1917) is a notable award that recognizes recipients’ contributions to the arts, science and medicine in addition to the “government lasting over a long period of time.” There are only 65 members allowed at a time, and the list includes big names like David Attenborough, Elton John, Anna Wintour, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

Of course, this is not the first time Princess Catherine received a new honorary title from King Charles. In September 2022, the 42-year-old royal was named the new Colonel of the Irish Guards by her father-in-law. And if that weren’t enough, the princess inherited the title from her husband, Prince William.

The late Queen Elizabeth II named her grandson the Colonel of the Irish Guards back in 2011, two months before Prince William and Princess Catherine tied the knot at Westminster Abbey. On the day of their wedding, the prince notably wore a red Irish Guards officer uniform with a blue sash wrapped around his torso.

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Congrats on your new role, Princess Catherine!

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