In his light blue robes, the King cut a striking figure against a sea of guests at St Paul’s Cathedral today, honouring those for their exceptional service overseas. King Charles, 77, was joined by the Duke of Kent, 90, to attend his first Service of Dedication and Commemoration for the Order of St Michael and St George since his accession.
The order recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs. It is an order of chivalry and honours are granted by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister each year. A fanfare by state trumpeters played on the west steps of the building upon the King’s arrival.
Outside, he was greeted by the Right Honourable Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley. Wearing his light blue mantle, complete with the and collar, of the Order of St Michael and St George, the King was then welcomed inside by the Duke of Kent, who is Grand Master of the Order. The Duke of Kent is the oldest living member of the Royal Family.
The two royals then proceeded together into the Chapel for the service. Following the Bidding, the formal procession transitioned from the Chapel to assigned seating within the Sacrarium for the conclusion of the commemorative service.
During the hour-long service, Charles walked through the cathedral with a choir, His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, and the Lady Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword, among others.
He then stood behind an altar in the dome and said: “Let us remember before God, members of the Order lately departed.”
A list of names of members who had died since the last ceremony was read by Sir Jonathan Taylor, Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod. Towards the end of the service, a fanfare sounded, and the congregation sang the national anthem.
The order was founded in 1818 by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, to commemorate the Ionian Islands being placed under British protection and Malta under British sovereignty.
Its original purpose was to recognise and reward the services of citizens in Malta and the Ionian Islands.
The Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George is housed at St Paul’s Cathedral and was formally dedicated in 1906. The Knights and Dames Grand Cross display their banners of arms in the Chapel.
The Service of Dedication and Commemoration is typically held at St Paul’s Cathedral every four years.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
