The Order of the Garter: A Royal Tradition and Prestigious Ceremony

The Order of the Garter: A Royal Tradition and Prestigious Ceremony

The Order of the Garter is a prestigious annual ceremony founded by King Edward III in 1348, where members of the Royal Family gather at Windsor to attend a service at St George's Chapel, participate in a procession, and return to the castle in a carriage. This event, known for its unique robes and ostrich feather-plumed hats, marks the start of Royal Ascot and precedes Prince William's upcoming birthday on June 21.

Established as the oldest order of chivalry in the UK, the Order of the Garter is the highest knighthood in the British honours system, with appointments made at the King's discretion to recognize national or personal service. The Knights and Ladies of the Garter don ceremonial robes, featuring the St George's Cross shield, and participate in the procession wearing the distinctive Tudor bonnet with feather plumes and the Order's motto on the Garter itself.

Membership in the Order is limited to the monarch, the Prince of Wales, and a maximum of 24 living members, with additional Supernumerary Knights and Ladies, including non-royals like Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tony Blair. Recent additions to the Order from the Royal Family include Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Gloucester, who join other members in the service at St George's Chapel and the carriage procession around the castle grounds.