King Charles III attended the Service of Dedication and Commemoration for the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday, marking his first such ceremony as monarch. The order recognises outstanding service by those working overseas, particularly in foreign or Commonwealth affairs.
Upon arrival, the King was greeted by the Right Honourable Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, and a fanfare from state trumpeters on the cathedral’s west steps. Draped in a blue cloak, Charles was welcomed inside by the Duke of Kent, who serves as Grand Master of the Order.
During the hour-long service, Charles processed through the cathedral accompanied by a choir, His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, and the Lady Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword. He stood behind an altar in the dome and prayed: “Let us remember before God, members of the Order lately departed.”
A list of deceased members was read by Sir Jonathan Taylor, Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod, including British diplomat Sir Crispin Tickell, who died aged 91 in 2022, and former British ambassador to Germany Christopher Mallaby, who died aged 85 in 2022. The service concluded with a fanfare and the national anthem before the procession departed around midday.
The Order of St Michael and St George was founded in 1818 by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, to commemorate British protection of the Ionian Islands and sovereignty over Malta. It originally recognised service in those territories. The Service of Dedication and Commemoration is typically held every four years at St Paul’s Cathedral.
