King Charles III Grants New Military Title To Kate Middleton

King Charles III granted new titles to various members of the royal family on Friday, one being three new honorary military appointments for Kate Middleton, including her first senior role in the Royal Air Force.

The Princess of Wales along with her husband Prince William, as well as seven other members of the working royal family, were given additional roles following King Charles’ ascension to the throne after the late-monarch Queen Elizabeth II’s death last year.

“Following His Majesty’s Accession, The King is pleased to announce further military appointments for working Members of the Royal Family,” the palace stated in its announcement. “The new appointments will continue to reflect the close relationship between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family in His Majesty’s reign.”

Middleton’s honors include Commodore-in-Chief Fleet Air Arm, Colonel-in-Chief 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, and Royal Honorary Air Commodore R.A.F. Coningsby, the announcement added.

“The Princess of Wales’s existing military appointments include Colonel, Irish Guards and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets,” the announcement from Buckingham Palace added. “Her Royal Highness is also Sponsor of HMS Glasgow – the first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Frigates which is currently under construction. The Princess’s grandfather served in the Royal Air Force.”

Middleton’s grandfather, Peter Middleton, co-piloted numerous flights with William’s late grandfather Prince Philip in 1962 during his tour of South America, according to the Daily Mail.

The Prince of Wales’ title was also extended to include Colonel-in-Chief The Army Air Corps, Colonel-in-Chief The Mercian Regiment, and Royal Honorary Air Commodore R.A.F. Valley. The titles come following William’s existing “strong affiliation with the Armed Forces, having served in the Army as a Platoon Commander in The Blues and Royals, before completing flying training in the Royal Air Force,” the royal household’s announcement read.

The king ascended to the throne in September 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at 96.  The late Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953. Her reign lasted for more than 70 years before her son took over the monarchy at the age of 73.