Princess Kate looked incredible as she arrived for the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle this afternoon. The Princess of Wales was all smiles, standing at St George's Chapel's Galilee porch, a traditional vantage point, to watch the procession of Ladies and Knights of the Garter through the castle grounds.
She watched the spectacle unfold alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as they are not members of the Order. Those in the procession wore striking dark blue velvet robes and white plumed hats, walking down the hill.
Royal Family Procession
Several members of the Royal Family participated in the procession, including the King and Queen, Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh. The route was lined by troopers on foot from the Household Cavalry's Life Guards and Blues and Royals, who wore plumed helmets and carried swords.
Over 4,000 spectators lined the procession route, cheering as the members of the Order walked past. Before the service, the King invested three new members into the Order and hosted a private lunch.
Notable Absence
This year marks the first time Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been excluded from the day, since he was stripped of his role as a Royal Knight of the Order of the Garter last year.
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain, with knights chosen in recognition of their public service. The fixture in the royal calendar is the start of a busy week for the Firm, with Royal Ascot kicking off tomorrow. The King and Queen are expected to attend every day of the racing event.
