Yesterday was Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding anniversary, and for the occasion, the Queen gave Kate a rather meaningful gift: the highest grade of the Victorian Order.
She made her Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, to thank her for her services to the monarchy.
A statement released on Twitter said, 'The Queen has been pleased to make the following appointment to the Royal Victorian Order. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, for services to the Sovereign.'
It's customary for the Queen to gift this honour on wedding anniversaries, as the Countess of Wessex received it on her 10th wedding anniversary, while Camilla got it on her seventh. It is Kate and William's eighth wedding anniversary.
The Queen is expected to mark this formally on 3rd May, during her service for the Royal Victorian Order at Windsor Castle.
A palace source told The Telegraph the Duchess was 'honoured and looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of Her Majesty going forward.'
Meanwhile, on Instagram, the Palace celebrated the couple's anniversary by sharing a portrait of the Royal wedding, with the caption, '8 years ago today — thank you for your lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding anniversary.'
