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King Charles Attends First Order of St Michael and St George Service as Sovereign at St Paul’s

The rare four-year service highlights an order that recognises diplomatic work abroad.

Overview

  • The King, attending at St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday, took part in his first Service of Dedication and Commemoration as Sovereign of the Order.
  • A state trumpeter fanfare marked his arrival at the west steps, where Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley greeted him before the Duke of Kent received him inside as Grand Master.
  • The Order of St Michael and St George recognises service carried out in foreign countries or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
  • Honours in the Order are conferred by the monarch acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Created in 1818 by the Prince Regent for services linked to Malta and the Ionian Islands and broadened in 1879, the Order has had a dedicated chapel at St Paul’s since 1906, where senior members display their banners, and the service is typically held there every four years.