The Queen already "sees [Kate] as a future Queen", royal commentators have claimed. The monarch's gift to the Duchess of Cambridge was said to be her way of "thanking" her granddaughter-in-law. Channel 5 documentary, 'Kate: Our Queen in Waiting', explored what message this was sending.
Narrator David Riley told viewers: "Kate's growing confidence in her royal had clearly been recognised at the highest level.
"The Duchess was seen wearing the The Royal Family Order in 2018."
Vanity Fair Royal Editor Katie Nicholl explained: "The Order itself is a yellow badge that is worn on the lapel of a dress.
"I think it was the Queen's way of thanking Kate for her contribution to the Royal Family."
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Filmmaker and broadcaster Bidisha added: "The Queen is saying to Kate, 'I'm going to give you these family honours'.
"'To make it extremely clear that I'm a Queen, I look at you and see a future Queen'."
The Royal Family Order is an honour bestowed on female members of the British Royal Family by the Queen.
It is worn on formal occasions, and is more of a personal memento.
Kate was first seen wearing hers while attending a state dinner at Buckingham Palace in October 2018.
She wore her order with a yellow ribbon on the left strap of her gown.
Instead of the traditional ivory, her iteration included glass.
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Royal Central claimed the change may be a result of Prince William's fight to end the ivory trade.
Three of the Queen's daughter-in-laws have had the honour bestowed on them.
Diana, Princess of Wales, received hers in 1981.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was appointed in in 2010.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, followed in 2012.