Prince William receives new title from King Charles as monarch marks rare Royal Family first

The Order's membership includes military officers and senior civil servants.

During the ceremony, the Prince of Wales was installed as Great Master of the Order, taking on the role previously held by his father.

The service included the oath-taking and installation of five Knights.

The King and Prince William will later process to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the Installation ceremonies, a key part of the historic service.

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.

They then took their seats in the Quire for the service.

The ceremonial proceedings highlighted the significance of this 300-year-old tradition that continues to honour distinguished service to the nation.

The Service for the Order of the Bath takes place every four years, with the Sovereign traditionally attending every other service.

The Prince of Wales, as Great Master, attends each service.

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath dates back to medieval times when knighthood ceremonies included a ritual bath symbolic of spiritual purification. Women were admitted to the Order in 1971.

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King Charles was installed as Great Master by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 and last attended the service in 2022 as Prince of Wales.

The Order consists of three classes of members: Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross, Knight Commander or Dame Commander, and Companion.

Westminster Abbey's King Henry VII's Lady Chapel was designated as the Chapel of the Order in 1725.