Latest news with #DavidHoyle
The Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
King Charles and Prince of Wales share a moment at historic ceremony
King Charles III was seen sharing a private, sweet moment with the Prince of Wales at Westminster Abbey. The moment happened as the father and son prepared to participate in the historic Order of the Bath service. The King was seen gently patting his son on the arm as they greeted each other, both dressed in crimson satin robes. The service marked the 300th anniversary of the order, which recognises exemplary service from members of the military and Civil Service. The Dean of Westminster, Reverend Dr David Hoyle, emphasised the order's values, stating, "We gather today around the idea that virtue and value are precisely not measured in pounds and pence." It was Charles's first time at the service as sovereign, while William was installed as Great Master of the ancient order, attending the ceremony for the first time. 'It is in chivalry, nor is it patronage that binds us together. It's a shared and ordered belief in promise and service.' Matters such as 'excellence and goodness', which are worthy of praise, 'do not happen by accident or chance', he reminded those gathered. He added: 'We have to sum them up. We have to remember them, and then, having done that, we have to act – that surely is what the most honourable Order of the Bath should be, what it should celebrate, what it should do. 'Here's a place to know and name what service of excellence look like. 'Here's a community that can describe goodness and commit to community and live it out. 'So the finery we see around us is a symbol of a deeper dignity, excellence, honour, and those things will only exist if we name them, it's a conversation we have to have.' The lavish ceremony saw Charles and William process through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order and take their seats in the Quire. Charles, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, and William appeared just two weeks on from his youngest son the Duke of Sussex's bombshell television interview in which he claimed the King will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer his father has left to live. The installation ceremony took place in the abbey's Lady Chapel of King Henry VII, where the William took an oath, followed by five new Knights Grand Cross. They are Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Admiral Philip Jones, along with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Lord Young and Sir Tom Scholar. Charles handed the role, which he held himself for nearly 50 years, to William on St George's Day last year as part of a wave of prestigious appointments which included ones for the Queen and the Princess of Wales. During Friday's ceremony, Charles made an offering of gold and silver at the altar. It was followed by an offering from the newly installed knights whose swords were placed upon the altar. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the eighth century. The title arose from the ritual washing inspired by baptism cleansing, a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood. The honour was not given until the candidates had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to purify the inner soul such as fasting, vigils and prayer, and cleansing themselves by bathing. During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the custom of giving an honorary Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to visiting presidents began, and famous recipients included former US president Ronald Reagan. The service usually takes place every four years, with the Great Master attending each time and the sovereign every eight. In April last year, Charles appointed daughter-in-law Kate the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of her public service and support of the arts, while Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Dean of Westminster says stories are being told to ‘deepen our divisions'
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle's comments were made as he officiated at Westminster Abbey's annual service commemorating Anzac Day, the national day of remembrance for fallen Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women and those still serving. He told the congregation of mainly Antipodeans, which included the Duchess of Edinburgh, how the abbey was filled with 'proud remembrance' and how 'we can be confident that there are important things to be said about nation and loyalty and commitment'. More Stories The Dean said: 'This world is fascinated by the power of the markets, it measures political allegiance, discusses the danger of migrants. 'This world divides to rule. 'We witness those around us fashioning new narratives to suit the times. The stories are so often intended to deepen our divisions. 'Here though, we remember and weave together both memory and hope in stories that unite and do not divide.' During the service Stephen Smith, Australia's high commissioner and Chris Seed, acting high commissioner for New Zealand laid wreaths at the grave of the unknown warrior close to the abbey's great west door. The event came after a poignant dawn service was staged at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner in London with the duchess and the high commissioners among the congregation, followed by a wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph also attended by Sophie. The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle speaks during the service commemorating Anzac Day at Westminster Abbey (Aaron Chown/PA) Anzac Day – April 25 – marks the start of the First World War Gallipoli landings in 1915, a campaign where thousands of Anzac troops – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – died alongside British allies in the ill-fated mission. Waves of Allied forces launched an amphibious attack on the strategically important Turkish peninsula, which was key to controlling the Dardanelles straits, the crucial route to the Black Sea and Russia. But the plan backed by Winston Churchill, then first lord of the admiralty, was flawed and the campaign, which faced a heroic defence by the Turks, led to stalemate and withdrawal eight months later. Its legacy is the celebration of the 'Anzac spirit' – courage, endurance, initiative, discipline and mateship – shown by the Antipodean troops.
