The British monarch made the surprise move amid the fall of her younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the police investigation.
Andrew’s former aide has received an honor from King Charles after speaking to police.
Dame Charlotte Manley was the former Duke of York’s Private Secretary and Treasurer from 2001 to 2003.
She also accompanied the former prince on trips abroad during his time as British trade envoy.
The 68-year-old has been honored at Tuesday’s ceremony after agreeing to speak to police about his former employer.
She was made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) by the 77-year-old monarch at Windsor Castle.
The disgraced royal’s former employee was named in the monarch’s New Year’s honors list for 2026.
She is the second highest rank in the Royal Victorian Order and confers the right to use the title “Dame”.
Dame Charlotte traveled abroad with Andrew, who was appointed Trade Envoy in 2011. She was often listed on the Court Circular for trips including New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru and Canada.
Earlier this month, she stated The Times she wanted to talk to the police about her time spent working under the disgraced former prince.
Regarding allegations against her former employer and an alleged payment she made on his behalf, she told the newspaper: “I’d rather talk to the police than the press, not that I’d have much to tell them.”
Others receiving honors on Tuesday include actress Carey Mulligan and former Chief of Defense Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Before becoming a member of the Royal Family, Dame Charlotte served as an officer in the Royal Navy between 1976 and 1996.
After serving Andrew, Charlotte held other positions for the royal family, including becoming ward secretary at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, which she stepped down from last year.
She was previously made an OBE in 1996 and was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2018.
The CVO is awarded by the monarch to recognize personal service to the Royal Family. Charlotte Manley was also part of the party to welcome President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor for a state visit in 2025.
King Charles’ younger brother is currently under police investigation for allegedly leaking secrets to his billionaire heir, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, during his time as a trade envoy.
