British royals mark Garter Day

Members of the British Royal Family attended a Service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel on 15 June.

The family gathered at Windsor Castle for the annual event that takes place each June.

The King and Queen were joined by other members of the Order of the Garter, including the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent, and the Duke of Edinburgh. There are seven Royal Knights and Ladies besides Their Majesties.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh, who are not members of the Order of the Garter, also attended, as they do each year. They waited along the procession route while the Knights and Ladies walked past and into the church.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Crowds gathered outside the chapel as the Knights and Ladies of the Garter walked in a procession in their traditional robes. Following the service, the members of the Royal Family returned to Windsor Castle in carriages.

Three new people were appointed as Knight Companions to the Order of the Garter and were invested ahead of the service. The new members are Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, Lord O’Donnell, and the Lord Burnett of Maldon.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in the U.K. It was established by King Edward III close to 700 years ago. The monarch serves as the Sovereign of the Garter.