Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, her husband Prince Philip, sons Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward, daughter Princess Anne and grandson Prince William took part in the annual Order of the Garter service yesterday (16.06.14).
The royal party donned lavish blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes to walk the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel for the Most Noble Order of the Garter Ceremony with other Garter Knights, watched by thousands of spectators, including William’s wife Duchess Catherine and Edward’s wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Charles’ wife Duchess Camilla was unable to attend after falling ill.
A Clarence House spokesperson said: "The duchess has been advised by doctors to rest having had a heavy cold which has turned into sinusitis. She very much hopes to attend Ascot tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Viscount Aithrie – who fainted in the House of Lords earlier this month – returned to his pageboy duties, holding the queen’s train along with another Page of Honour, Hugo Bertie.
The Order was founded in 1348 by Edward III and is awarded by the monarch for outstanding public service and achievement, and recipients are chosen either because they have held public office, contributed to national life or served the sovereign personally.
Appointing Knights of the Garter is the queen’s own decision and she doesn’t have to consult ministers.
There can only be 25 Knights at any one time and yesterday two new members were invested by the queen in the Castle’s Garter throne room.
These were former Bank of England governor Mervyn King and ex-head of MI5 Eliza Manningham-Buller.
Queen leads Order of the Garter service
