An Installation Service took place at St George’s Chapel this afternoon with the induction of Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord O’Donnell, and Lord Burnett of Maldon as Knights Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The ceremony was conducted under the auspices of His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms and The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, who were on duty within the chapel.

Earlier in the day, at Windsor Castle, the King presided over a Council session attended by senior officials including the Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP as Lord President, Lord Hanson of Flint, Baroness Smith of Basildon, and Baroness Smith of Malvern. During the council, Daniel Jarvis MP was sworn in as a member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council and appointed Secretary of State for Defence. Jarvis received the Seals of Office, took the Oath of Office, and formally kissed hands in the presence of the King. Richard Tilbrook served as Clerk of the Council, with Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to Their Majesties, also in attendance.

Following the Council, the King, accompanied by members of the Royal Family—including The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and The Duke of Kent—held a Chapter of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were also present, alongside a distinguished assembly of Knights Companions such as the Duke of Abercorn, Lord Butler of Brockwell, Rt Hon Sir John Major, Lord Luce, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Stirrup, and others.

Officers of the Order present included the Bishop of Winchester as Prelate, the Dean of Windsor as Register, David White in his capacity as Garter King of Arms, Lieutenant General Edward Davis officiating as Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Segrave serving as Secretary. Pages of Honour in attendance were Alfred Wellesley and Charles van Cutsem.

During the formal investiture, the King presented Lord Hennessy, Lord O’Donnell, and Lord Burnett with the insignia of Knight Companions. Later, His Majesty hosted a luncheon at Windsor Castle for the Companions of the Order and their guests. Attendees included senior members of the Royal Family as well as invited Knights and their companions, among them the Duke of Abercorn and Lady Sophie Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir John Major and Dame Norma Major, Lady Mary Peters, Baroness Amos, Rt Hon Sir Tony Blair, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Lord Patten of Barnes, and Lord Lloyd-Webber.

In a related event at St James’s Palace, The Princess Royal, President of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences, accompanied by Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, hosted a Seventieth Anniversary Dinner in the evening, marking the long-standing contribution of the conference series.