King Charles to give Prince William new title in rare royal family first
King Charles III and Prince William will attend the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey on May 16, marking the Order’s 300th anniversary. This will be Charles’ first service as monarch, while William will be installed as the Great Master of the Order, a prestigious new title. The ceremony revives a medieval tradition, which once included a ritual bath symbolizing purification. Charles himself was appointed Great Master by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975. The service occurs every four years, with the Sovereign attending alternate events, while the Great Master attends each one.
The Order of the Bath has three membership classes: Knight/Dame Grand Cross, Knight/Dame Commander, and Companion. Women were only admitted in 1971. Meanwhile, new royal portraits of Charles and Queen Camilla, painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benny, were recently unveiled. A peculiar detail in Charles’ portrait—a white lace-like fabric on his shoulder—sparked online speculation, with some humorously suggesting it resembled a bra. However, it’s unlikely the King would intentionally feature lingerie in an official portrait.
