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This weekend, Charles III and Prince William led an event that marks an important step in the transition of the crown to the king's firstborn. The prince received the title of Grand Master of the Order of the Bath, one of the most prestigious chivalric orders in the United Kingdom, along with the Garter and the Thistle. This appointment is considered a prelude to the prince's future coronation.

Ceremony at Westminster Abbey

Charles III and Prince William attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which was historic and solemn, although they arrived separately in the morning. They were received by David Hoyle, dean of the abbey, and upon meeting inside, they shared an affectionate greeting before taking their seats in the choir. Later, they marched to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the investiture, under the gaze of banners hanging in honor of the living knights of the order.

An Order with Three Centuries of History

The Order of the Bath was founded 300 years ago, on May 18, 1725, by King George I. The ceremony is only held every four years, and this event was the first time Charles III officiated as the sovereign of the order. Meanwhile, Prince William officially received the title he now holds.

Both father and son wore the traditional crimson satin and white taffeta robes with the emblem of the order. William took his oath at the ceremony, which also included the investiture of five knights for their outstanding work in military service or public administration. The tradition of the order dates back to the Middle Ages when future knights purified themselves with a ritual bath before receiving their title.

Notable Names and Members

This year, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Admiral Sir Philip Jones took their oaths as Knights Grand Cross. Others, like General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and Lord Young of Old Windsor, have taken their oaths but await investiture when vacancies become available. The order has a limited number of members divided into three categories: 120 Knights or Dames Grand Cross, 355 Commanders, and 1925 Companions.

Women were not admitted until 1971, when Princess Alice became the first Dame Grand Cross. Charles III was well-versed in the protocol, having been invested as Grand Master in 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II, then his mother. As the new Grand Master, Prince William will attend the ceremony every four years, while the monarch does so every eight.