Garter Day is one of the most unique traditions observed by the Royal Family. The Daily Express provides a comprehensive explanation of this event.
What is Garter Day?
Following the spectacular Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, the Royal Family is preparing for a more unusual celebration today. The Order of the Garter service is an annual parade held at Windsor Castle, founded by King Edward III in 1348. Senior members of the Royal Family attend a service in St George's Chapel, participate in a procession around the grounds, and return to Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages. Before the public events, there is a private investiture and luncheon at the castle.
As the oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, strict rules govern who can be inducted and when. This event is particularly distinctive due to the blue robes and ostrich-feather-plumed hats worn by participants. Garter Monday occurs during the same week as Royal Ascot.
What is the Order of the Garter?
The Order of the Garter is 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, it has continued annually for 678 years. New appointments are made at the King's discretion, typically recognizing national contributions to public service or personal service to the monarch. Knights and Ladies of the Garter wear ceremonial robes and Tudor bonnets with ostrich feather plumes during the service at St George's Chapel and the subsequent procession.
Significance of the Garter Robes
The Order of the Garter robes are highly symbolic and connect the Royal Family to centuries of history. The dark blue mantles feature the heraldic shield of St George's Cross on the left shoulder, but King Charles's mantle displays the Order's star instead. The black Tudor bonnet is adorned with ostrich and black heron feathers. A gold collar is worn around the shoulders, tied to the mantle with white ribbons. The Garter itself is a buckled dark-blue velvet strap worn around the left calf by Knights and left arm by Ladies, bearing the Order's motto in gold lettering: Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks evil of it).
Who Can Be a Member?
Membership is limited to the monarch, the Prince of Wales, and a maximum of 24 living members. The Order also includes Supernumerary Knights and Ladies, such as members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs. Notable non-royal members include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baroness Amos, Sir Tony Blair, and Baron King of Lothbury. Recent royal additions include Queen Camilla in 2022 and the Duchess of Gloucester in 2024. Other senior royals, like the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh, observe the service from inside St George's Chapel and later join the carriage procession.
