Amid a crowd of thousands in Windsor, the King took the lead for the annual Garter Day ceremony, with the Princess of Wales observing proudly.
Dressed in the traditional velvet robes and plumed hat of the Order of the Garter, Charles smiled as he oversaw the grand display of ceremony under the bright sunshine.
The Queen, also adorned in the order’s full regalia, accompanied him as they made their way from the castle’s quadrangle to St George’s Chapel, with the Prince of Wales walking ahead, engaging in conversation with his uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh, just behind the Princess Royal.
Observing from the Galilee Porch were Kate, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, engaging in discussions with clergy upon arrival. Kate donned a pale yellow coat dress by Patrick McDowell, who she honored with the Queen Elizabeth II prize for British design last year.
The fabric for her outfit was crafted by Stephen Walters & Sons in Suffolk, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat by Jane Taylor and earrings by Robinson & Pelham, all matching seamlessly. Sophie, in a white dress with a pink and blue floral motif and a matching hat, stood beside Kate, interacting with her animatedly as they waited.
As the royal entourage passed by, nods and smiles of acknowledgment were exchanged with some of the Garter companions, with Prince William receiving a smile from the Princess and a curtsy from both Kate and Sophie as the King and Queen, beaming with joy, came into view. The Duke of Kent and Lady Mary Peters were also present at the service but did not partake in the procession.
The service commenced with the installation of the new Garter knights taking their designated places, followed by the King, before the congregation joined in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
After the service, the royal family members departed in carriages for their return journey to the Castle.
Former prince Andrew, who withdrew from royal duties following revelations of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, was stripped of his Order of Merit when the King revoked all his titles and honors last October. Spending the day at his new residence on the King’s Sandringham estate, he relocated in February from his former 30-room mansion, Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The ceremony signals a bustling period ahead for the royals, with upcoming appearances expected at the Royal Ascot festival of racing by the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess of Wales.
The Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III almost 700 years ago, stands as Britain’s oldest and most prestigious Order of Chivalry. The Order includes the King as Sovereign of the Garter, the Queen, various members of the Royal Family, and up to 24 companions chosen for their notable contributions.
Founded by Edward III in 1348, the Garter is bestowed by the sovereign in recognition of exceptional public service and achievements. Prior to the Service, three new Companions to the Order of the Garter were invested at a private Investiture in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle.
Companions of the Garter are selected directly by the Sovereign to honor individuals who have held significant public positions, made notable contributions to national life, or served the monarch personally.
The appointments of The Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, The Lord O’Donnell, and The Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon were announced on April 23.
Lord Hennessy, a historian specializing in government history, has held the position of Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History at Queen Mary University of London since 2000. Lord O’Donnell served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service from 2005 to 2011. Lord Burnett served as Lord Chief Justice from 2017 to 2023, with a background in jurisprudence from Pembroke College, Oxford, and legal practice as Queen’s Counsel.
Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh unite at Garter Day
King and Queen don Garter Robes and plume hats at Windsor Castle
Kate shares a moment of laughter outside St. George’s Chapel
<