Kate Middleton, 37, is Prince William’s wife and mother to three royal tots. The Duchess of Cambridge has been honoured with a new title for her services to the crown. Queen Elizabeth II thanked Kate for her dedication to royal life by making her Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, but what does the prestigious title mean?

What does Kate Middleton’s new title mean?

Kate stepped out for the first time today since being made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

The Royal Victorian Order dates back by 1896 and has five classes from Member to Knight or Dame Grand Cross, its highest rank.

Unlike other titles, this award is made solely at the Queen’s discretion and not at the recommendation of Downing Street.

Kate is understood to have received the award personally from the Queen as thanks for her services to the sovereign.

The award reveals the Queen’s high opinion of Kate and her growing royal role.

The title is presented for services to the crown and has five grades, representing different levels of service.

Other royals to have received the honour include the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex.

Prince Charles’ wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was presented the title on her seventh wedding anniversary to Prince Charles in 2012.

Kate’s new title means she will now have the letters GCVO after her name.

She will also now be entitled to wear a blue sash for some royal occasions.

Kate attended her first joint engagement alone with the Queen last month.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who campaigns to help children’s mental health, is a patron of the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

She opened a new centre for the charity today.

The centre will provide training for professionals and postgraduate teaching for the leaders of tomorrow.

The Royal Family’s website says about Kate: “She has been hugely inspired by the leadership the Queen has provided for over 60 years and will continue to play her part in supporting and celebrating the Queen in the UK and around the Commonwealth wherever possible.”

Kate’s new title comes just days after she and Prince William celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on Monday.

This week is a very special one for the Cambridge family, as their middle child, Princess Charlotte will celebrate her fourth birthday tomorrow.

Kate’s husband Prince William is second in line to the throne and will likely be King of England one day.

When William is King, Kate will have the title of Queen Consort as the late Queen Mother did before her.

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