Kate Middleton is honoured by the King for her years of public service: ... trends now

The Princess of Wales has received a unique honour from the King in recognition of her years of public service after being appointed to The Order of the Companions of Honour.

Kate, 42, has been made a Royal Companion of the organisation, which was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognise outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service.

The Mail understands it is the first time that a member of the royal family has been appointed in the order's century-long history.

Sources say it is a symbol of the 'great esteem' the princess is held in by her father-in-law, King Charles.

As well as being a personal thank you for her loyal service to the Crown since she married Prince William almost 13 years ago, it is also an acknowledgment of her contribution to the arts.

Keen photographer Kate is patron of The Royal Photographic Society and The National Portrait Gallery, as well as inspiring the moving lockdown photography project, Hold Still.

The appointment is not in the king's direct gift but is made by the Cabinet Office on his recommendation.

The Order of the Companions of Honour - whose spiritual home is The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace - is restricted to 65 members from across the Commonwealth.

She is in good company as current members include Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Roy Strong, Sir Paul McCartney and JK Rowling.

Her appointment is one of a string of new appointments made today/yesterday by His Majesty which include honours for four senior royals.