The Duchess of Edinburgh turned heads in a stunning floral dress as she arrived at Windsor Castle for the annual Order of the Garter service. Sophie, wearing a pink and white floral ensemble, joined senior royals at St George's Chapel on Monday afternoon for the ancient ceremony, which dates back to 1348.
Sophie's Elegant Arrival
The Duchess waved to well-wishers as she arrived and stood alongside the Princess of Wales while they awaited the procession of Knights and Ladies of the Garter. The two royal women are not members of the order but participate in the carriage procession around the castle grounds after the service.
Order of the Garter: A Centuries-Old Tradition
The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom and the most senior knighthood in the British honours system, outranked only by the Victoria Cross and George Cross. Established by King Edward III on St George's Day in 1348, the ceremony has continued for 678 years.
Members wear ceremonial robes and Tudor bonnets adorned with ostrich feather plumes during the service at St George's Chapel, followed by a procession around Windsor Castle. Currently, 10 members of the Royal Family are Royal Knights or Ladies of the Order.
King Charles, who was made a Royal Knight Companion in 1958 when he was Prince of Wales, became Sovereign of the Order after Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022.
