King Charles presides over Order of the Bath service for the first time as Sovereign
A centuries-old royal tradition will take centre stage this Friday as Prince William is officially installed as Great Master of the Order of the Bath during a grand service at Westminster Abbey.
The ceremony, which marks the 300th anniversary of the Order, is particularly significant as it will be King Charles’s first time presiding over the event as Sovereign of the Order — a position he inherited following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Established in 1725 by King George I, the Order of the Bath recognises distinguished service, with its modern-day members including senior military figures and high-ranking civil servants.
At the May 16th service, the Prince of Wales will assume the prestigious title of Great Master, continuing a lineage of royal involvement in the Order. King Charles himself held the role from 1975 after being appointed by his mother, making the occasion a poignant generational milestone.
Five new Knights will also be formally installed during the solemn proceedings, reaffirming the Order’s deep ties to service, honour, and royal patronage.
Held every four years, the Service of the Order of the Bath traditionally sees the Sovereign attend every other event. This marks King Charles’s first appearance in that capacity since his accession, further cementing the Royal Family’s ongoing role in preserving Britain’s ceremonial heritage.
