The British monarch took a 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.
He also accompanied the former prince on foreign trips during his tenure as UK trade envoy.
The 68-year-old was honored at Tuesday’s investiture ceremony after agreeing to speak to police about her former employer.
The 77-year-old monarch appointed her a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) at Windsor Castle.
The disgraced former royal staffer was on the monarch’s New Year’s Honors List for 2026.
She is 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 was often listed on the Court Circular for travel, including to New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru and Canada.
Earlier this month, he reported The times would speak to police about the time he spent working with the disgraced former prince.
Regarding the allegations against his former employer and an alleged payment he had made on his behalf, he told the newspaper: “I would rather talk to the police than the press, although I wouldn’t have much to tell them.”
Others who received honors on Tuesday include actress Carey Mulligan and former Chief of the 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.
Following her time serving Andrew, Charlotte held other positions for the royal family, including chapter secretary of St George’s Chapel in Windsor, from which she retired last year.
She was previously appointed 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 friend, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, during his tenure as trade envoy.
