Queen Elizabeth gives Kate a major honour

The Queen has given the Duchess of Cambridge a new title, a major honour in recognition of her commitment to the monarchy.

Kate, 37, has been made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. She was awarded the honour personally by the Queen for services to the sovereign.

Kate joins the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex who have received the same honour.

The gesture came on the eighth wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on April 29.

Since joining the monarchy, Kate has taken on charity work, travelled the Commonwealth on behalf of the Queen and in March the pair stepped out for their first joint engagement.

Kate will now have the letters GCVO after her official name.

Royal fans congratulated the Duchess on the honour.

"Congratulations to The Duchess of Cambridge," wrote one fan. "She is doing an amazing job. William must be so proud of his wife."

"Great recognition for 8 years of impeccable service to the Crown by the Duchess of Cambridge," another supporter wrote.

"Well deserved."

The Queen and the Duchess are said to be closer than ever before, in particular because there is talk Her Majesty will stand aside to allow Prince Charles to become King.

This will make Prince William the Prince of Wales and Kate the future Queen.