In 1974 The Princess was appointed a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).

In 1994 The Queen appointed Her Royal Highness a Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

In 2000, to mark her 50th birthday, The Princess Royal was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, in recognition of her extensive charity work in Scotland. She was invested in the Order at a ceremony at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh in June 2001.