The British monarch took the surprise step amid the fall of his younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the police investigation.
Andrew’s former aide received an honor from King Charles after speaking to police.
Dame Charlotte Manley was private secretary and treasurer to the former Duke of York from 2001 to 2003.
She also accompanied the former prince on trips abroad while he was the United Kingdom’s trade envoy.
The 68-year-old was honored at Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony after agreeing to speak to police about his ex-employer.
She was made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) by the 77-year-old monarch at Windsor Castle.
The disgraced former royal employee was on the monarch’s 2026 New Year honors list.
She occupies the second highest rank in the Royal Victorian Order and entitles her to use the title “Dame”.
Dame Charlotte traveled abroad with Andrew, who was appointed Trade Envoy in 2011. She often appeared on the Court Circular for trips including to New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru and Canada.
Earlier this month, she informed The times she spoke to police about her time working under the disgraced former prince.
Regarding the accusations against her former employer and an alleged payment she made on his behalf, she told the newspaper: “I would rather talk to the police than the press, although I would have a lot to say to them.”
Others honored on Tuesday include actress Carey Mulligan and former Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Before joining the royal family, Dame Charlotte served as an officer in the Royal Navy between 1976 and 1996.
After serving Andrew, Charlotte held other positions within the royal family, including clerk of the chapter of St George’s Chapel in Windsor, from which she retired last year.
She was previously appointed OBE in 1996 and was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2018.
The CVO is awarded by the monarch to recognize personal services 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 friend, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while serving as a trade envoy.
