King Charles leads St Paul’s ceremony honouring Britain’s overseas heroes in first appearance as sovereign of ancient order
The King has attended a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral to recognise outstanding service by those working overseas.
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Charles attended his first Service of Dedication and Commemoration for the Order of St Michael and St George as King on Thursday.
The order recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
It is an order of chivalry and honours are granted by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister each year.
A fanfare by state trumpeters played on the west steps of the building upon the King’s arrival.
Outside, he was greeted by the Right Honourable Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley.
Draped in a blue cloak, Charles was then welcomed inside by the Duke of Kent, who is Grand Master of the Order.
During the service, which lasted for about an hour, Charles walked through the cathedral with a choir, His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, and the Lady Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword, among others.
He then stood behind an altar in the dome and said: “Let us remember before God, members of the Order lately departed.”
A list of names of members who had died since the last ceremony was read by Sir Jonathan Taylor, Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod.
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, were among those named.
Towards the end of the service a fanfare sounded and the congregation sang the national anthem.
The procession moved back through the cathedral and Charles left at about midday.
The order was founded in 1818 by the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV, to commemorate the Ionian Islands being placed under British protection and Malta being placed under British sovereignty.
Its original purpose was to recognise and reward the services of citizens in Malta and the Ionian Islands.
The Service of Dedication and Commemoration is typically held at St Paul’s Cathedral every four years.