The King led the Royals in the in the Order of the Garter procession and service at Windsor Castle today.
It comes after Charles took the salute from the Coldstream Guards at Trooping the Colour over the weekend, which saw His Majesty ride in a carriage instead of on horseback.
Today’s service saw no new individuals installed as members of the Order of the Garter. The last time that a service took place with no installations was in 2015 – the 2017 Service didn’t take place due to a General Election, whilst the 2020 and 2021 Services were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Last year saw The Duchess of Gloucester being installed as a Companion of the Order.
Typically, when new members of the Order are installed, an investiture ceremony is held in the Throne Room of Windsor Castle on the morning of Garter Day. This ceremony is attended by all Companions (Knights and Ladies), wearing the ceremonial habits and garter insignia, and by their spouses.
After the investiture ceremony is concluded, a state luncheon is held in the Banqueting Room.
From here, all the Knights and Ladies of the Order, together with the prelate, chancellor and other officers, in their mantles and ceremonial robes, are led by the Military Knights of Windsor, in procession, through the castle, to St George’s Chapel for a service of worship.
The chapel is the spiritual home of the Order, and also the burial place of Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Charles I.
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348, and is dedicated to St George, England’s patron saint. Based on the Crusade-era orders of chivalry, members are admitted usually in recognition of a national contribution, for public service, or for personal service to the Sovereign.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were all seen wearing their deep blue velvet capes and Tudor-style bonnet with ostrich feathers for the procession and service.
The Duchess of Edinburgh The Princess of Wales and Sir Tim Laurence also attended the Service in a supportive role to their partners. The Princess missed last year’s service due to undergoing cancer treatment.
The Duke of York was also not part of the proceedings, having stepped back from public duties in 2019.
After the event had concluded, members of the Royal Family were seen leaving the chapel in carriages. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in the first carriage.
