King Charles Bestowed This Honor On Prince William During This Historic Milestone

Flip through the internet and you’d likely see pictures of King Charles and Prince William regaled in these magnificent attires you almost think they’re into role-playing.

But they’re not. Prince William is simply being inducted into a position in an order left vacant by his father when he became the ruling monarch.

Let’s just say that father and son presented both a united front and scored some winning pictures in the process. Long live the men of the historic order, indeed.

King Charles Installs Prince William As Great Master of the Order of the Bath

Prince William joined his father King Charles at Westminster Abbey for the order of Bath service, which took place on Friday, 16 May.

The ceremony also happened to mark the 300th year since George I established the order in 1725 by Letters Patent. Friday’s service was also King Charles’ first as monarch.

Without wasting time or waiting for his second service as monarch, he got straight to business and did what needed done. He installed his heir William as Great Master of the Order, a role which he himself previously held and recently vacated.

For context, both military officers and senior civil servants can become a part of the order, so naturally, the service involved some oath-taking and the installation of five more knights.

What Is the Continued Significance of the Order of the Bath

I know what you’re asking, what’s the significance of a 300-year-old practice in modern-day Britain?

Well, to be honest, the entire service isn’t all for pomp and show. Taking place every four years, the Service for the Order of the Bath recognizes distinguished service to the nation. Originally only honoring men, in 1971, the first women were admitted to the Order.

While the sovereign may not be able to attend each and every service, the Prince of Wales, as Great Master, is needed in every single service.

King Charles was installed Great Master by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 and last attended the service in 2022 as Prince of Wales.

Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross, Knight Commander or Dame Commander, and Companion are the three classes of members contained within the order.

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