King Charles III attended a special service celebrating 400 years of the Queen’s Chapel, a historic place of worship near St. James’s Palace. The event honoured the chapel’s long-standing role in religious life and its connections to European traditions.

The commemoration featured music from the Gentlemen and Children of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal Choir, along with performances by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra and the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry Band. Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, led prayers, with blessings offered in English, Latin, and German, reflecting the chapel’s diverse heritage.

During the ceremony, King Charles viewed a newly commissioned altar plate, His Majesty King Charles III Ciboria, marking the first addition to the chapel’s silverware collection in more than three centuries. The ceremonial cup, designed by silversmith Tim Lukes, features the Green Man, a symbol seen during the King’s Coronation.

Originally built in 1625, the Queen’s Chapel was intended for the wedding of Charles I and Infanta Maria Anna of Spain, though the marriage never took place. Over the centuries, it has served various French, Dutch, German, and Danish congregations before officially joining the Chapels Royal in 1938.

Reflecting on the chapel’s enduring legacy, Canon Paul Wright, Sub Dean of the Chapels Royal, remarked, “This chapel has stood through centuries of change, welcoming worshippers from different traditions and backgrounds. Today, we recognise its continued role in faith and unity.”

The celebration drew members of the royal family and distinguished guests, with many gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the King. As the event concluded, King Charles shared a brief exchange with young choristers, adding a lighthearted touch to the historic occasion.

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