A ceremony held at Westminster Abbey quietly emphasized Prince William’s special place in Britain’s long-standing chivalric traditions.

On May 16, 2025, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was officially appointed as the Great Master of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath. The event, which took place with King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, underlines the historic importance of royal honors and the role of passing traditions through generations in the monarchy.

At a ceremony rich in tradition and symbolism, William stood alongside his father to honor the 300th anniversary of the Order of the Bath.

Taking place at Westminster Abbey, the event was notable for the royal family, as it was the King’s inaugural attendance as Sovereign.

As the heir to the throne, William was appointed Great Master of the Order—a position usually reserved for the next in line. At the same ceremony, five people were officially made Knights Grand Cross.

The Order was established by George I on May 18, 1725. It began as a military honor but has since expanded to include high-ranking military and civilian officials.

The name and ceremonies trace back to medieval times, when knights took a ritual bath symbolizing purification before being invested. Although the tradition was revived in the 18th century, the Order still maintains ties to those original customs.

The King and the Prince were greeted at the abbey’s Great West Door before joining a formal procession with other officials through the nave. They then moved to the Quire for the service and afterward went to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the official installation ceremony.

While the Sovereign attends only every other service—about once every eight years—the Great Master is present at every event held every four years. King Charles III last attended in 2022, back when Queen Elizabeth II was still alive.

The name and ceremonies date back to medieval times, when knights took a ritual bath to symbolize purification before being invested. Though revived in the 18th century, the Order still honors these original customs.