The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most chivalrous order in the United Kingdom with the motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks this evil)’. Every June, a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress.
The last Order of Garter service was in 2019 and a knockout one with the presence of 3 Queens, 2 Kings, 1 heir, and many Dukes and Duchesses along with other royals. King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima joined the British Royal Family for the historical event.
Her Majesty The Queen was present at the private investiture of new appointees and the lunch but did not participate in the procession to St. Gorge’s Chapel.
The #DuchessofCambridge is wearing a blue coat with Juliette Botterill hat, G Colllins Earrings and Pandent, Possibly a Jenny Packham Clutch and Aquazzura Pumps at the Order of The Garter https://t.co/HNmUUfBLg9
— RegalFille (@RegalFille) June 13, 2022
The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex arrived at the service together.
In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by the tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honorable knights, called the Order of the Garter in 1348 to recognize courage and loyalty. Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The English Garter and the Spanish Golden Fleece are the two most important and appreciated Knightley decorations in European history. The Order includes the Queen, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several Members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights or ladies elected in recognition of their work.
The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are personally chosen by the Sovereign from a variety of backgrounds to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have personally served the Sovereign. The above pictures show Queen Victoria investing Emperor Napoleon III into the Order of the Garter in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle
The patron saint of the Order is St George (patron saint of soldiers and also of England). The spiritual home of the Order is St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Knights have their own stall, with the bearer’s banner, crest, helmet & sword displayed above, reminiscent of the Order’s chivalric origins. These items are removed upon death, but the stall plate remains.
In December last year, The Queen appointed The Duchess of Cornwall, G.C.V.O. to be a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Valerie Ann, Baroness Amos was appointed the Lady Companion and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was appointed a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The appointments to the Order of the Garter were announced at the New Year and the new members are formally installed at an annual ceremony in June.
The Duchess of Cornwall was invested with the Insignia of a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter on June 01st at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Cornwall was appointed the Dame Grand cross in 2012. The appointment was a symbol of Her Majesty’s affection for her daughter-in-law and her support for the Future Queen.
Usually, the Queen Consorts receive the highest order from their husbands after accession to the throne, But Camilla is the 3rd Female who is neither the Monarch nor Consort after Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra and the 1st Royal by Marriage to be made a Royal Lady of the Order in recent history.
After the service at the chapel, the knights, the ladies and their spouses return to the castle. The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned together in the shared carriage.
For the annual event, The Duchess of Cambridge was looking elegant in a blue Alexander McQueen Coat dress. The custom-tailored mid-length coat dress features a lapel collar neckline with a belted waistline and pleated skirt.
Catherine paired the blue coat with Juliette Botterill Floral Leaf Teardrop hat. Thanks to Katie for the id.
She paired the outfit with her G. Collins & Sons Tanzanite Earrings and
Pendant Necklace.
The Duchess was carrying her blue Ufo Blue Clutch that she first carried during the Caribbean tour.
Another new element of the look was Aquazzura Love Link Sling 105 pumps. Thanks to britroyalfam63 for the id.
In other news, The Duchess of Cambridge’s 40th birthday portrait will be on display at the Museum of St. Andrews University where Prince William and Catherine Middleton met in 2001.
From today, this portrait of The Duchess of Cambridge will be displayed at @MuseumsUniStA, with The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge having met at @univofstandrews. This forms part of our Coming Home project, where we send portraits of individuals to places they are associated with. pic.twitter.com/DzpnTFTk8C
— National Portrait Gallery (@NPGLondon) June 13, 2022
The Sunday Times has confirmed that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be moving to a property on Windsor grounds with plans to move to Windsor Castle eventually. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will be beginning at the new school in September so I believe once the term at Thomas’s Battersea finishes this summer family will start the big move to Berkshire where they will be close to The Queen and The Middleton family.
