Princess Anne made an unusual request when she was handed a major royal honour in 1994, breaking centuries of tradition. The Princess Royal was appointed to the Order of the Garter that year but requested a change that ensured she held the exact same rank, title, and status within the order as her brothers, King Charles III, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
Garter Day Ceremony at Windsor Castle
Garter Day, an annual ceremony celebrating the Most Noble Order of the Garter, will take place at Windsor Castle on Monday, June 15. It will feature the King and the Knights of the Garter processing in velvet robes and plumed hats.
Princess Anne's Request
In 1994, when Queen Elizabeth II appointed Princess Anne to the Order of the Garter, the Princess Royal specifically requested to be installed as a Royal Knight Companion rather than as a Lady Companion. The Royal Family website states: "In 1994, The Queen appointed The Princess Royal to the Order of the Garter. However, The Princess Royal requested to be installed as Royal Knight of the Order, and not a Lady."
Why the Request Was Made
Historically, Ladies of the Order did not hold the same privileges as their male counterparts. Princess Anne's request ensured she held equal status to her brothers. Her request was granted by the Queen, and the decision helped modernise the ancient order of chivalry. It has paved the way for non-royal women to be admitted with full knightly status.
Impact on Princess Anne's Public Image
As well as ensuring female royal family members were held in the same status as male royal companions, the request has cemented Princess Anne's public image as an advocate for equal rights. She earned the right to display the same military and heraldic achievements in St George's Chapel as male knights.
The Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is the most senior order of chivalry in the UK. Membership is given in recognition of outstanding public service, national contribution, or personal service to the Monarch. The Royal Family website explains: "In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter."
Modern Membership
Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds in recognition for their public service. The Order includes The King, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior Members of the Royal Family, and twenty-four knights chosen in recognition of their work. Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, contributed in a particular way to national life, or served the Sovereign personally. These have included Marshal of the RAF Lord Stirrup, and former Prime Ministers Sir John Major and Sir Winston Churchill.
Traditions and Symbols
The patron saint of the Order is St George, patron saint of soldiers and also of England. If there are vacancies in the Order, appointments are announced on St George's Day, April 23. The spiritual home of the Order is St George's Chapel, Windsor. Every knight is required to display a banner of his arms in the Chapel, together with a helmet, crest and sword, and an enamelled stallplate.
