NEED TO KNOW

  • Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was invested with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles
  • It is the highest title available within the Order and is also held by Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and other royal spouses
  • Princess Anne’s husband could debut his new insignia at the state visit for President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle next month

The British royal family might be spending time out of the public eye while they take a summer getaway at Balmoral Castle, but King Charles took the opportunity to honor his brother-in-law, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, with a new royal title.

Princess Anne‘s husband was quietly invested with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order on Aug. 21, according to the Court Circular, the official record of the royal family’s engagements. It is the highest title available within the Order, which was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria to recognize personal service to the royal family or the monarch.

Sir Tim, 70, became the first member of the royal family to receive the honor since Kate Middleton. Queen Elizabeth named her granddaughter-in-law as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the female equivalent of a Knight Grand Cross, on April 29, 2019 — which happened to be Kate and Prince William‘s eighth wedding anniversary.

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence at Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Others with the honor include fellow royal spouses Queen Camilla and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. Blood members of the royal family are also part of the club, including Prince Edward and Prince Andrew. Meanwhile, Princess Anne was made a Dame Grand Cross in 1974 before becoming Grand Master in 2007.

While Princess Kate, 43, is a member of the Royal Victorian Order, her husband Prince William is not. But as heir to the throne, he will one day be Sovereign of the Order like King Charles is currently. The Prince of Wales, 43, holds other honors that are considered more prestigious than the Royal Victorian Order, such as Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (the most senior knighthood in the U.K.) and Knight of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s highest honor).

With Sir Tim’s new title will come a new accessory. The insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order includes a sash badge and a breast star, which Princess Anne’s husband may debut at the state visit hosting U.S. President Donald Trump next month at Windsor Castle.

Since becoming a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Princess Kate has worn a blue, red and white sash over her dress as well as a badge featuring a Maltese cross at state banquets, signifying her position. At King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, Kate wore the red, white and blue mantle (or robe) of the Order.

Kate Middleton at King Charles’ coronation in May 2023.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

While Sir Tim is not a working member of the royal family, the retired Royal Navy officer has often supported them at events such as Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Day over his 33 years of marriage to Princess Anne.

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King Charles, 76, presented his brother-in-law with the new honor during his holiday at Balmoral in Scotland, where the royals typically retreat each August. Last weekend, members of the family — including Prince William, Princess Kate and their kids — were photographed driving to and from a church service.

Sir Timothy Laurence (left) with the royals at Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023.

Chris Jackson/Getty

While it’s time away from the spotlight, King Charles continues to work during the summer getaway, reading the diplomatic papers in the famous “red boxes” delivered daily, holding audiences and undertaking some public engagements.