Kate Middleton and Prince William are honoured by the King: Charles bestows new appointments for the Prince and Princess of Wales

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Kate Middleton and Prince William

The King has bestowed two new honours onto the Prince and Princess of Wales as he unveiled new Order of the Garter appointments today.

In a touching gesture from Charles to his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton has been appointed Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour. The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognise outstanding achievements in the Arts, Sciences, Medicine and Public Service.

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The Prince of Wales and the Kin

Sources previously said Kate Middleton and the King have grown ‘very close’ amidst their cancer battles, with insiders saying Charles feels the Princess is ‘the daughter he never had.’ In a deeply personal clip, the Princess of Wales shared the news that after she had abdominal surgery in January, she was diagnosed with cancer. She said it had been a ‘huge shock’, saying she has been undergoing preemptive treatment for the past two months.

With the painful shock of a cancer diagnosis, close and old friends become an indispensable lifeline. Fortunately, Kate has plenty she can count on. Tatler has your guide to the Princess’s circle

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Image may contain: Clothing, Coat, Jacket, Footwear, Shoe, Hat, Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Glove, Pants, Adult, and Person Meanwhile the King announced he was diagnosed with cancer back in January and has since been receiving treatment.

Now, it has emerged just how the health battles have strengthened the bond between the two couples – as the Wales’s and King and Queen support one another through the challenging period.

Speaking to The Times, a source said the King has ‘always’ had a ‘close, warm and unique’ relationship with the Princess, while she has ‘a great love and respect for him.’

But they revealed how the two had spent time together while receiving treatment. Insiders said, ‘When they were in hospital together there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her.’

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The Princess of Wales is believed to have grown closer to the King amidst her cancer battl

Meanwhile insiders speaking to The Telegraph said the King ‘treats Kate like the daughter he never had.’

Sources went on to explain how Kate had been inspired to speak out about her diagnosis after seeing Charles’ own openness about his condition.

Meanwhile Prince William and Camilla are also believed to have been bonded closer in recent months. Insiders said the two have been in regular phone contact, while the sense of solidarity between the two at the recent Commonwealth Day Service was palable.

At the service, earlier this month and believed to have been after the Princess’ cancer diagnosis, the two greeted each other with a kiss and embrace. They were pictured chatting with one another, seemingly showing off their new, closer relationship.

The couple’s love for their daughter-in-law was also evident in a touching statement they released yesterday shortly after her cancer diagnosis was made public.

Minutes after Kate released her moving statement to the public, Charles and Camilla released their own written statement, praising the Princess for her courage.

A statement released by the palace read, ‘His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did. His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law. Both Their Majestys will continue to offer their love and support to the family at this time.’