The King and The Prince of Wales mark 300 years of the Order of the Bath
Published
His Royal Highness was installed as Great Master of the Order and five new Knights Grand Cross took their oaths during a service full of history and symbolism at Westminster Abbey.
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established as a military order by George I on 18 May 1725. However, the Order was a revival of an older custom going back to medieval times when part of the ceremony of knighthood included a ritual bath symbolic of spiritual purification and a vigil the night before receiving the honour.
Following his Accession in September 2022, The King became Sovereign of the Order, and The Prince of Wales – as heir apparent – Great Master. The service was His Majesty’s first as Sovereign.
Today, recipients of the Order are usually senior military officers or senior civil servants.
The King and The Prince of Wales were received at the Great West Door of the Abbey, before joining the procession of the Officers and Knights and Dame Grand Cross through the church, to take their seats in the Quire. His Majesty and His Royal Highness later processed to the Henry VII, Lady Chapel for the Installation ceremonies.
The Service for the Order of the Bath takes place every four years. The Sovereign traditionally attends every other service (once every eight years) and The Prince of Wales, as Great Master, attends each service. His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, last attended in 2022.
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