Maid of Honour

[campion]

What's with this ' Maid of Honour' title being given to Kate Middleton's Chief Bridesmaid?

Yet another Americanism creeping in - doesn't the Royal Household uphold the Queen's English any more?

Or is her sister going to be a cake?

I'm not particularly afraid of creeping Americanisms, but this might have a different, royal connotation anyway: 'An unmarried woman, usually of noble birth, who attends upon a queen or princess' (OED).

Yes, sounds like the infection is in the other direction originally? ie. aspirational tradition-minded yanks adopting uz royal ways.

Royal bridesmaids have always been just that- even when nobly born.
Besides, her sister's middle class!