Each year, approximately 30 Investitures are held annually at Buckingham Palace or other royal residences, and around 2,600 people are personally invested by either King Charles III, or other members of the British royal family.
The responsibility for planning Investitures and organising the different insignia lies with the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, which is a branch of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. Here is everything you need to know about this celebratory event…
What is an Investiture?
An Investiture is a formal ceremony whereby those who have been awarded an honour personally receive their insignia from a member of the royal family. The investee will visit a royal residence with their family and friends to receive their award. Around 60 recipients attend each Investiture which takes place either in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle, or occasionally at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Investitures are typically hosted by the King, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal.
Who is notable?
Twice a year; at New Year and in June to mark the monarch’s official birthday, a list of Honours is published, which recognises people with attributes such as outstanding achievements, personal bravery and services to the UK and British Overseas Territories. Those on this list will receive their insignia at Investiture ceremonies throughout the year.
Honours that may be awarded at an Investiture are typically MBEs, OBEs, and knighthoods. Currently, there are six different Orders of Chivalry and two Orders of Merit, therefore, people might be invested at various levels, also known as ranks. Members of the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services can also be presented with awards for gallantry and distinguished service.
What happens at an Investiture ceremony?
On the day of the Investiture, the ballroom is prepared for the visitors and the insignia are all carefully checked and laid out. The sword used for knighting is also checked and placed in the ballroom ready for the members of the royal family. Each member of the royal family has their own sword which they will use. When each recipient arrives, they are provided with a special pin to wear so that their insignia can be easily attached to their clothing when the honour is awarded.
A member of the royal family will enter the room with two Gurkha orderly officers, a tradition which began in 1876 by Queen Victoria. Once the ceremony has begun, each piece of insignia is placed on a cushion and is then passed to the member of the royal family awarding the honour. Then, the Lord Chamberlain or Lord in Waiting calls out the name of each recipient who will come forward and receive their honour. After the ceremony, recipients typically gather outside with their families and friends to take photographs.
Investitures have taken place this month to celebrate King Charles III’s official birthday. We have a wide range of sovereign coins of Britain’s King available for you to purchase HERE.