The Order, like the Orders of the Garter and the Thistle, is in the personal gift of Her Majesty and does not require any approval from government. This bestowal brings HRH into the ranks of her step-mother-in-law and other members of the Royal Family, such as HRH The Countess of Wessex, and follows the recent bestowal on Catherine of the Royal Family Order.
Her Royal Highness' Coat of Arms has changed slightly in that she is entitled to the addition of the Ribband and Badge of the Order being placed around her Shield as shown above.