The Royal Arch is the continuation of Craft Freemasonry. Its members, called Companions, meet in Chapters which are ruled over by three Principals, who rule conjointly.

The Royal Arch has four ceremonies: the exaltation ceremony to bring in new members and an installation ceremony for each of the three Principals. The exaltation ceremony is in two parts: a rather dramatic presentation of the principles of the Order followed by three Lectures in which the history, symbolism and principles of the Royal Arch are further explained. Like Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is open to men of all faiths.

In England, the Royal Arch is considered to be the completion of "pure ancient Masonry". The allegory of the exaltation ceremony is based on the Old Testament telling of the return to Jerusalem from the Babylonish captivity to rebuild the city and temple. In clearing the ground of the original temple for the foundations of the second temple, the candidate makes a number of discoveries which lead the candidate to a consideration of the nature of God and his personal relationship with Him, whatever his religion might be.