All eyes were on the Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle overnight as the British Royal Family gathered for the historic Order of the Garter ceremony, fresh off the heels of the weekend’s Trooping the Colour festivities. The annual procession at St George’s Chapel saw King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince William lead senior royals in traditional medieval splendour, donning heavy blue velvet robes and ostrich-feather plumed hats. However, many royal onlookers were left wondering why the Princess of Wales walked among the spectators
rather than in the parade. As the oldest and most senior order of knighthood in Britain, founded by King Edward III in 1348, the grand ceremonial garb is strictly reserved for those officially appointed to the Order. While lesser-known royals like the Duchess of Gloucester have been granted the honour, Princess Catherine is yet to receive the nod from the Sovereign, despite her return to robust health and full royal duties following her cancer remission. Nevertheless, the Princess appeared in high spirits, sharing a laugh
with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as they watched the procession. Catherine opted for an elegant, custom gold Patrick McDowell satin coat dress with a tulle skirt, paired with a matching Jane Taylor hat and the emotional Robinson Pelham earrings gifted by her parents for her 2011 wedding. The event also marked a stark new chapter for the monarchy. It is the first Garter Day since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his title and expelled from the Order by the King late last year. Following
his February arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the disgraced Duke was entirely absent from both the public parade and the private lunch, remaining in exile at Sandringham.
Princess of Wales, Princess Catherine, Order of the Garter, Windsor Castle, St George’s Chapel, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Trooping the Colour, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Sandringham, Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh
Wait so she’s not in the parade cause she’s like… not officially knighted yet? That seems petty.
I didn’t even realize there *was* a rule like that. Thought she could just wear the big outfit since she’s literally William’s wife. Seems like they’re trying to make a point.
“Fresh off Trooping the Colour” like that matters, lol. If she’s healthy enough to go laugh with people then why not be in the parade? Also the title stripping thing is wild—so they’re banning him but still letting other royals hang around? Doesn’t add up to me.
I’m just confused why everyone was watching her like she’s the main character. Like isn’t the whole thing about the king’s big medieval robe club? And then they’re saying she’s not “appointed” but she showed up anyway—so is she officially part or not? I swear I saw some video that said she was supposed to be in it, so who knows.