King Charles and Prince William are to carry out a joint engagement when they take part in the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey on May 16. Prince William will be installed as Great Master of the ancient order in a special ceremony. The Order of the Bath is a special Order of Knights which recognises the work of senior military officials and civil servants.
The King handed the role, which he held himself for nearly 50 years, to his eldest son on St George’s Day last year as part of a wave of prestigious appointments. The King is taking part in the service for the first time as sovereign of the order, which is awarded to members of the military or Civil Service for exemplary work and this year celebrates its 300th anniversary.
The joint appearance comes after Prince Harry’s recent interview with the BBC where he said that his father is not speaking to him over his security legal challenge and that he “would love a reconciliation” with the Royal Family.
However, following the interview after Harry sensationally lost his battle over security in the UK, a source claimed there is now “zero trust” between the Firm and Harry.
On Friday, dressed in crimson, satin robes, the royal pair will walk through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order and take their seats in the Quire. King Charles and William will then move to the abbey’s Lady Chapel of King Henry VII for the installation ceremony, where William will take an oath, followed by five new Knights Grand Cross.
During the ceremony, the sovereign makes the offering of gold and silver at the altar, after which newly installed knights make their own offerings and have their swords placed upon the altar.
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the 8th century.
The title arose from the ritual washing inspired by baptism cleansing, a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood.
The honour was not given until the candidates had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to purify the inner soul such as fasting, vigils and prayer, and cleansing themselves by bathing.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the custom of giving an honorary Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to visiting presidents began, and famous recipients included former US president Ronald Reagan.
The service usually takes place every four years, with the Great Master attending each time and the sovereign every eight.
In April last year, Charles appointed Princess Kate the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of her public service and support of the arts, while his wife, Queen Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.