Queen Elizabeth appoints Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, a Royal Dame of the Garter

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Queen Elizabeth appointed Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to the Order of the Garter.

On Friday evening, the Queen announced that the Duchess of Cornwall would become a Royal Dame of the Garter.

In addition, Baroness Valerie Ann Amos was made a Lady Companion and former Prime Minister Tony Blair was made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

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The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is the highest order of knighthood in the British honors system. The number of companions is limited to 24, although overage members do not count towards this total.

The order includes the Queen, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior members of the royal family and 24 knights chosen in recognition of their work. Knights of the Garter are personally chosen by the monarch to honor those who have held public office, contributed to national life or personally served the monarch.

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Other members of the Order include Prince William, who was knighted in what is Britain’s highest order of knighthood in 2008, as well as Prince Charles.

Sir Winston Churchill and Prince Philip also received the honor during their lifetime.

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A grand procession of knights takes place at Windsor Castle every June, accompanied by a brass band and officers of the Order, all dressed in full ceremonial dress. Hosted by Queen Elizabeth, the Order of the Garter ceremony is one of the biggest highlights of the royal calendar.