Investiture facts for kids
Investiture is a special ceremony where someone officially receives an important job or title. During this event, they are formally given symbols, called insignia, that represent their new position. This ceremony is usually for important roles in government, noble families, or religious organizations.
Long ago, in the Middle Ages, investiture was used when a powerful lord gave land (called a fief) to a loyal follower, known as a vassal. The lord would give a symbol, like a glove or a piece of earth, to show the land was officially transferred. Even today, in religious groups, investiture happens when a religious leader receives special items like a ring, a tall hat (called a mitre), or a staff. These items show they are officially taking on a new spiritual role.
Investiture in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, about 2,600 people each year are officially honored in an investiture ceremony. These ceremonies are usually led by The Queen or another member of the Royal Family.
The names of those who will be honored are announced twice a year. This happens either in the New Year's Honours List or The Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Most of these special ceremonies take place at Buckingham Palace in London, with about 22 held annually. A few others are held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, and sometimes one in Cardiff, Wales.
Images for kids
-
The Blue Scapular of the Immaculate Conception, given at one's investiture in the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception
-
Lieutenant General Miles Dempsey is invested with his knighthood as Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, in the field of battle, by King George VI on 15 October 1944, while General Bernard Montgomery looks on.
