THE WOMAN WHO WILL BE Queen

Prince Charles makes a historic announcement that puts Princess Kate a big step closer to the throne

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The Order of the Companions of Honour is one of Great Britain's most distinguished royal recognitions.

And in an official palace announcement on April 23, King Charles appointed his "beloved daughter-in-law" Princess Kate as a Royal Companion in the order, making her the first member of the family other than the monarch ever to be part of the elite group. "And as the only Royal Companion, Kate will be expected to represent Charles at special events," notes a source. "This was an incredibly historic move that will change the monarchy forever."

The new title marks a big step toward her next promotion: queen. "Charles chose to honor Kate now to reward her for her resilience over these past few months as she's battled cancer amid intense public scrutiny," says a source, "and to show how much faith he has in her to keep calm and carry on, just as his mother did." The 75-year-old king has been on the job for less than two years, but has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, as In Touch first revealed. "His health is rapidly declining, so he's getting his affairs in order and subtly making his wishes known," says the source. "Obviously, William will become king because of the rules of succession, but Charles realizes the royal family would be nothing without Kate, so the goal is for her to take on more responsibility than anyone in her role ever has. It's her destiny."