Tradition, ceremony, and royal elegance converged today at Windsor Castle for the Order of the Garter service, one of the most historic and revered occasions in the British royal calendar. And at the heart of the day’s visual splendour was Catherine, Princess of Wales, who made her second major public appearance of the month after Saturday’s Trooping the colour Parade in London, joining her family in celebrating Britain’s highest order of chivalry.
The Order of the Garter, founded in 1348 by King Edward III, is the oldest and most distinguished order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. Each year, Garter Day brings together tradition, symbolism, and royal pageantry in a series of time-honoured rituals at St. George’s Chapel, the spiritual heart of the Order. This year’s ceremony unfolded beneath brilliant blue skies, drawing thousands of spectators to Windsor Castle. The day began with:
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A private investiture of new Companions in the Garter Throne Room
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A formal luncheon in the Waterloo Chamber, hosted by King Charles III
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A grand procession of the Sovereign and Knights, resplendent in their signature blue velvet robes, white-plumed hats, and insignia
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A solemn service in St. George’s Chapel, followed by a return carriage procession through the Upper Ward
Established nearly 700 years ago, the Order of the Garter remains a symbol of loyalty, service, and chivalry. Membership is strictly limited, including the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and just 24 Companion Knights or Ladies, plus a few supernumerary royal or foreign members. Past recipients include Winston Churchill, Sir John Major, Lord Lloyd-Webber, and Air Chief Marshal Lord Peach. During the ceremony, Knights wear blue velvet robes, the iconic Garter star, and the Great George medallion, depicting St. George slaying the dragon—a symbol of courage and the triumph of good over evil. Their stalls, decorated with personal banners and crests, are housed permanently in St. George’s Chapel.
Leading the procession were King Charles III, Sovereign of the Order, and Queen Camilla, a Royal Lady of the Garter. They were joined by several royal Knights and Ladies, including:
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Prince William, Prince of Wales (appointed in 2008 as the 1,000th Knight)
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Princess Anne, Princess Royal
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Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
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Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Among the most watched attendees were Kate Middleton – Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, both present in their roles as supportive spouses of Knights of the Garter. Kate Middleton’s presence at Garter Day 2025 was especially poignant. Her return to this historic event came after she missed the 2024 ceremony while undergoing cancer treatment—a journey she openly shared with the public in March 2024. Kate was seen arriving at St. George’s Chapel alongside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with whom she shared light-hearted moments and warm smiles. As Prince William passed during the procession, Kate smiled proudly and offered a graceful curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla, underscoring her deep respect for royal hierarchy and tradition.
Today, she appeared poised and radiant, capturing attention in a tailored Self-Portrait dress—a modern classic in her wardrobe, known for its structured elegance and royal-appropriate styling. Observers praised her look as “understated yet powerful,” with many describing her on social media as “the ever elegant Princess of Wales.”
Kate’s connection to Garter Day goes back to 2008, when she attended the ceremony for the first time as Prince William’s girlfriend. That appearance—her first formal outing with senior royals—was seen as an early sign of her integration into royal life. Since then, she has become a regular figure at the event, with fashion moments ranging from her blue 2022 ensemble to the polka-dot Alessandra Rich dress in 2023. Her absence in 2024 due to chemotherapy marked a break in that continuity—but today, her graceful return spoke volumes.
Her appearance follows just two days after Trooping the Colour, reinforcing her gradual re-engagement with royal duties. While announcing the completion of the treatment, in a personal letter, she wrote, “I am not out of the woods yet,” but hoped to attend a few public events over the summer. As royal summer continues with Royal Ascot this week and upcoming Wimbledon tournament, all eyes remain on the Princess of Wales not just for her fashion, but for her example of resilience, grace, and purpose in the face of adversity.
What The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, wore at the 2025 Order of Garter Service
- Self-Portrait Cream Tailored Boucle And Chiffon Midi Dress – Repeat from September 2021 Reception
- Sean Barrett Wide Brim Hat – New
- Susan Caplan 1980s Vintage Renaissance Revival Earrings – Repeat from VE Day 2025
- Susan Caplan Vintage 5 Strand Faux Pearl Necklace – Repeat from Holocaust memorial service in January 2025
- Her usual stack of rings that had Sapphire and diamond Engagement ring, Welsh wedding band, Annoushka band
- Strathberry Multrees Chain Wallet – Repeat – Debuted in June 2023 at the Order of Garter Service.
- Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Bisque Pumps – Repeat from March 2022 Royal Tour of the Caribbean.
