Later this week, King Charles III will give Prince William a new title in a rare moment for the royal family.
On Friday, 16 May, the King and his eldest son will attend the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey. This event celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Order, which was established in 1725 by George I.
It will be Charles’ first time leading the ceremony as monarch, and during the service, Prince William will officially take on a new role and title — another rare occasion in royal history.
At the event, the Prince of Wales will be appointed as the Great Master of the Order of the Bath.
This service is a revival of an old tradition dating back to medieval times, when becoming a knight involved taking a ritual bath for spiritual cleansing and keeping vigil the night before the ceremony.
King Charles himself was appointed as Great Master by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975.
This ceremonial event occurs once every four years. Traditionally, the Sovereign attends every other service, while William, in his role as Great Master, is present at each one.
King Charles, who was still Prince of Wales in 2022, last took part in the ceremony that year.
The Order is divided into three ranks: Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCB), Knight or Dame Commander (KCB/DCB), and Companion (CB).
