British Royal Family at the Garter Service 2018
The Queen Is Surrounded by Family (and Feathers) at the Garter Day Ceremony
If you thought there was a whole lot of pomp and ceremony at Trooping the Colour, wait until you see the royal family all dressed up for the Garter Day Ceremony. The annual ceremony involves a parade at Windsor Castle, where members of the order wear velvet robes, golden insignia, and plumed hats, led by the queen (whose long velvet cloak is held up by two boys — remind you of anything?).
The Order of the Garter dates back to the time of King Edward III, who was inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table to set up his own group of honourable knights. The order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, and though it has its roots in the aristocracy, new knights are now given the honour in recognition for their public service and include people like former Prime Minister John Major and the former governor of the Bank of England.
All of the queen's children are Knights of the Garter, and Prince William became the 1,000th knight 10 years ago. All of them were there on Monday to take part in the annual event, along with Charles and Edward's wives, Camilla and Sophie. Camilla was given the honour of sitting right next to her mother-in-law as the carriages made their way around the castle grounds, while the royals waved to the assembled crowds.
This is the beginning of a busy week for the royal family, as Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday, and we all know how much the queen loves the annual horse racing meet! See all the photos from today's ceremony ahead, and stay tuned for all the Ascot action as the week progresses.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Prince Charles and Prince William
The Knights of the Garter
Prince Edward, Prince Charles, and Prince William
Prince William and Prince Edward
Prince Andrew, Prince William, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Princess Anne
Sir John Major
Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince Charles, and Prince William
Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Charles and Prince William
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, Prince William, and Prince Andrew
Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Princess Anne
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Princess Anne
Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Andrew and Prince Edward
Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Prince Edward
The Knights of the Garter
Prince Charles and Prince William
Prince Charles and Prince William
The Ceremony at Windsor Castle
Princess Anne
Prince Andrew and Prince William
Queen Elizabeth II
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Prince Charles
