A knight to remember: Kate and Wills join Her Majesty for the annual Garter Day service as crowds line the roads around Windsor Castle despite the rain
- Queen was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle
- Downpour meant royals and guests had to arrive by car and mini bus rather than the traditional carriage procession
- Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex also attended
- Crowds braved the rain to line the streets of Windsor in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal Family arriving
The Queen was joined by senior members of the Royal Family as she continued her gruelling programme of public engagements with an appearance at the annual Garter Day service.
Accompanied by Prince Philip, the monarch arrived in a chauffeur-driven car after the traditional procession of carriages through the grounds of Windsor Castle was cancelled due to the wet weather.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also in attendance, as were Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, and Prince Andrew. Kate's vibrant red Catherine Walker coat and Lock & Co hat brought a splash of colour to an overcast day.
The poor weather did not dampen the spirits of the hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered on the streets of Windsor in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royals and their guests, some of whom arrived by mini bus.
Scroll down for videos
The Queen and Prince Philip arrive for the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor this afternoon
The Duchess of Cambridge, who attended with her husband Prince William, right, brightened up a dull day in her striking red ensemble
Prince Charles arrived in a car with his son, Prince William, ahead of the traditional Order of the Garter service in Windsor
The Duchess of Cambridge shared a joke with Order member Lord Ashburton, left, and waits for a car with the Duchess of Cornwall, right
Hundreds of people braved the rain in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal Family on their way into Windsor Castle
The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant as she stepped out of her car, left. Right, Camilla and the Countess of Wessex
Dressed in his finery, Prince William, a member of the Knights and Ladies, arrives for the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago.
Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.
The Queen and Prince Charles, as sovereign and heir, are automatically given membership of the Order and are considered 'ex officio knights' with the power to admit new members.
The Garter is open to British and Commonwealth citizens, with former Prime Minister Sir John Major and Lord Sainsbury numbered among the 23 current members.
Field Marshall, the Lord Bramall, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, the Duke of Abercorn, the Duke of Westminster and Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former Director-General of MI5, are also Knights of the Garter.
There are also two orders of 'extra' knights. Members of the Royal Knights and Ladies include Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince Charles, the Princess Royal and Prince William.
Relentless schedule: The Queen and Prince Philip were pictured arriving for the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle today
The Duchess of Cornwall, right, and the Duchess of Cambridge arrived together, waving to waiting crowds as they stepped out of the car
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex opted for an elegant floral dress for the occasion. Her husband, Prince Edward, also attended
The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant in a vibrant read coat, while the Duchess of Cornwall opted for a pink, gold and cream ensemble
Hundreds of well-wishers stood beneath umbrellas on the streets of Windsor as they waited to see the Royal Family arrive
The Queen, who, as the monarch is automatically given membership of the Order, waved to crowds. Right, the Duchess of Cambridge
Spectacle: Crowds of well-wishers waved as the Royal Family drove past them in cars on their way to St George's Chapel, Windsor
A second order, the Stranger Knights and Ladies, is bestowed on foreign rulers such as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Harald V of Norway.
Although new additions are named on St. George's Day, the 23rd April, the initiation ceremony takes place in June during the traditional Garter Procession, which sees members parade through Windsor wearing their blue velvet robes, known as mantels, and traditional black velvet hats.
The service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter takes place in St George's Chapel at Windsor following a private lunch in the castle.
Once at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, there is a short service in which new Companions, if any, are installed by the Queen.
This year, the two new knights were admitted during the service - former Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer, and Charles Kay-Shuttleworth, chairman of the Association of Lord Lieutenants and the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment