On entering the Chapel the members of the Order sit on the left whilst visitors and postulants sit on the right. The most senior members sit at the back with the more junior towards the front. The Grand Secretary, Grand Almoner and other Grand Officers sit in the front row.

When all are assembled, the Grand Herald calls the members to attention, to receive the Sovereign Grand Commander accompanied by the Grand Patron, Dame Grand Commander and Chaplain General of the Order.

They are preceded by the Banner or Guidon of the Order, the Pennant or Banner of the Sovereign Grand Commander and the Banner of the Grand Patron.

They then place the Banners on the High Altar. The Sovereign Grand Commander meanwhile draws his sword and places it saltirewise on the Altar table in front of him and welcomes members.

The Sovereign Grand Commander invests members who are receiving promotion first, then the grand Herald calls up the postulants with the ancient words: ‘You are called to service with the Order. Do you accept?’

Each postulant in turn then kneels in front of the Sovereign Grand Commander and places his or her hands between those of the Sovereign Grand Commander and repeats the personal oath of allegiance.

If the member or postulant is to be knighted then the Sovereign Grand Commander touches him on the right shoulder only with the sword with the words ‘Be Thou a Knight’ and in the case of a Dame with the Cross of the order and the words ‘Be thou a Dame’.

Companions are invested with a neck insignia, knights with sword, mantle and cap of maintenance, Ladies with a small bow and Dames with a larger bow and mantle.

After the investiture the Grand Secretary reads out the names of those who have mustered that year and the Sovereign Grand Commander then reads out the muster roll of 500 years previously.

The Sovereign Grand Commander then sheaths his sword.

The Sovereign Grand Commander and Officers then parade out and members then retire to the great Hall for Dinner.