The King smiled and waved to crowds as he attended the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle today as the busy royal weekend continues on after Saturday’s Trooping the Colour.
King Charles III was joined by senior members of the royal family today (June17) including Queen Camilla, The Princess Royal, Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the processional event in Windsor.
The traditional celebration commemorates the ancient Order of the Garter - the country’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry.
Ladies and Knights of the Order of the Garter joined the royals in a procession down the hill from the Berkshire castle’s State Apartments to St George’s Chapel, dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, watched by crowds of onlookers having packed out the castle lawns. The sun proving the perfect backdrop to the royal event.
This year the colourful procession was led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards who made their way into the Horseshoe Cloister for the first time ahead of the royals, who then made their way into the Chapel.
Founded in 1348 by Edward III, the Garter is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievement.
The installation of new Companions of the Order took place inside St George's Chapel and this year includes composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber who has been made a Knight Companion.
Also being invested will be the Duchess of Gloucester as a Royal Lady of the Garter, as well as Lord Kakkar, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London and Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, who have both been made Knight Companions.
King Charles III's appearance comes just two days after the Trooping the Colour ceremony where the King was joined by senior royal family members including the Princess of Wales who was not present at today's service.
The ceremony heralds a busy period for the royals, with the King and Queen expected at Royal Ascot in the coming days, and the following week they will host a state visit by Japan’s Emperor.
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