By Charlotte Webster-
The title of Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order (GCVO) granted to Kate Middleton confirms a special relationship between the Queen and the Dutchess Of Cambridge, which must have psychologically affected Meghan. The monarch gave the honour to Kate as a wedding anniversary present to mark the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eighth year of marriage.
Historically, the awards in the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by The Queen for services to the Sovereign. This confirms the Sovereign’s view that Kate Middleton performs services to her worthy of rewards. Evidence of the Queen’s openly warm nature towards Kate Middleton could signal a feeling of punishment against Meghan Markle, especially as the Dutchess of Sussex has been on the receiving end of negative press for a while.
Although the Queen reserves the right to give awards to whom she pleases, the impact of who is left out would be felt by them depending on other things going on in the background. Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explained that their decision to unfollow the royals and everyone else previously on their instagram was to honour mental health week in the U.S and the U.K, analysts have made more of it than just the bare facts.
Many believe there is an underlying message behind their decision to unfollow the rest of the royals, especially so close to the birth of the first child. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already announced plans to buck tradition when it comes to the birth of their baby. Only a handfull of journalists and photographers will have access to the baby following the birth
The Royal Victoria Order was first instituted by Queen Victoria in 1896 to reward personal services performed on her behalf. Kate was awarded the highest ranking from the award – with the ranks being Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO) and Member (MVO). Other members of the royal family to have received one include the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex.
In March kate undertook her first solo joint engagement with the Queen when the pair first visited King’s College London to open the latest building, Bush House, and look around at the latest facilities on the college’s Strand Campus. The fact that only daughter Charlotte was given the middle name of Elizabeth confirms this special relationship.