King Charles and Prince William share private moment at historical ceremony
King Charles and Prince William were able to share a private moment before they participated in a historical ceremony on Friday.
Dressed in crimson robes, they warmly greeted each other, and the King gently patted his son's arm ahead of the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey.
The ceremony celebrated the 300th anniversary of the order and included Charles as the sovereign for the first time, as the service usually takes place every four years.
The Prince of Wales was installed as Great Master, which is awarded to members of the military or Civil Service for exemplary work, during his first-ever procession.
Charles had held the Great Master role for nearly 50 years, but passed it to his son on St George's Day in April last year.
He appointed his daughter-in-law, Kate, the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour to recognise her for her public service and support of the arts.
Queen Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Five new Knights Grand Cross were also installed during the ceremony at the Lady Chapel of King Henry VII at the abbey on Friday.
They are Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Admiral Philip Jones, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Lord Young and Sir Tom Scholar.
The Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, but it is believed to have originated in the eighth century.
Its name stems from the ritual washing forming part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood.
The washing was inspired by baptism cleansing, which was a symbol of spiritual purification.
Candidates were not knighted until they had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to cleanse them on the inside, for example by fasting, praying or taking part in vigils, and on the outside by bathing.
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