King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William attend historic Order of the Garter ceremony

King Charles presided over the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle today, leading members of the Royal Family in the traditional procession to St George's Chapel.

The monarch was accompanied by Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for one of the most distinguished occasion in the royal calendar.

Founded by King Edward III some seven centuries ago, the Order of the Garter remains Britain's oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry.

The Sovereign serves as head of the order, personally selecting each companion to recognise those who have held public office, contributed significantly to national life, or provided personal service to the Crown.

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The Prince of Wales joined the King and Queen, as he donned the magnificent Garter Robes for the occasion, comprising a blue velvet mantle adorned with the red cross of St George encircled by the garter emblem.

Prince William holds a special connection to the order, having been invested as its 1,000th Knight by the late Queen at Windsor Castle's State Apartments on June 16, 2008.

Before the procession, senior royals gathered for a celebratory lunch before making their way to the chapel for the annual service.

The Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence observed the proceedings from the Galilee Porch, where they conversed with clergy members upon their arrival.

Following the service, the royal party made their return to Windsor Castle by carriage in traditional fashion.

Three distinguished figures were formally admitted to the order as Knight Companions during a private investiture ceremony held earlier in the Garter Throne Room.

Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord O'Donnell, and Lord Burnett of Maldon received their honours, with their appointments having been announced on St George's Day this year.

All three serve as crossbench life peers in the House of Lords, representing exemplary careers across academia, government, and the law.

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Lord Hennessy, the acclaimed historian of British government, has held the Attlee Professorship of Contemporary British History at Queen Mary University of London since 2000, with his work on 1950s Britain earning the 2007 Orwell Prize.

Lord O'Donnell occupied the highest echelons of the civil service as Cabinet Secretary from 2005 to 2011.

Meanwhile, Lord Burnett of Maldon served as Lord Chief Justice from 2017 to 2023.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh brought significant elegance to the historic occasion, attending in support of their husbands.

Catherine chose a bespoke coat dress crafted by Patrick McDowell, complemented by a hat from milliner Jane Taylor.

Sophie opted for the "Gabriella" silk tea dress by Suzannah London, a piece retailing at £1,590.

Both women watched the procession alongside Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence from the Galilee Porch, engaging warmly with members of the clergy.

The ceremony represents one of the most significant fixtures in the royal calendar, with membership limited to the Sovereign, the Queen, Royal Family members, and a maximum of 24 companions chosen for their distinguished contributions to public life.

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