Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been awarded a new title on St. George's Day and is now the Royal Companion of the order of the Garter. The prestigious title denotes recognition for her contribution to public life and adds her to the likes of JK Rowling and Sir Elton John. Prince William was given the highest honour of Knight of the Garter while his father, Prince Charles, was elevated from Companion to the Most Noble Order of the Garter to Knight Companion, and his wife Camilla was awarded Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. The awards ceremony took place during a difficult time for the royal family with both the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles fighting cancer. The Duchess of Cambridge underwent major abdominal surgery in January but it was not until April that she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer saying it had been a "huge shock".