The Order of the Garter has taken place for the first time since 2019.
Her Majesty did not wear the traditional Garter robes during the investiture for what is believed to have been the first time, with the regalia too heavy. The Queen chose not to join the carriage procession from the castle to St George's Chapel due to mobility issues that have forced her to limit her public engagements since October. (Getty)įormer British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was appointed to the order, prompting some protests outside Windsor Castle.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attends the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel. The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry. Sophie wore a pink Valentino frock, a hat by Jane Taylor and a diamond rose brooch. Collins and Sons, first seen during a service at St Paul's Cathedral in 2015. Kate chose new blue coat dress, believed to be Alexander McQueen, a hat by Juliette Botterill and her tanzanite and diamond jewels from G. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex were among the Queen's family present for the occasion. She wore a Bruce Oldfield gown beneath her robes. The ceremony proceeded as planned, with Camilla taking part in the procession for the first time, having been appointed a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter. Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge leave St George's Chapel. Prince Andrew remains a member of the Order of the Garter but he was not photographed during the ceremony apart from driving to the castle from his nearby residence, the Royal Lodge, wearing a suit and tie.īuckingham Palace said it was a family decision but aides for the Duke of York said it was made because he did "not want to do anything that would embarrass the Queen or make things difficult". However, he was still allowed to attend the investiture in the castle's Garter throne room and lunch with the royal family and the Knights Companion and Ladies Companion in the Waterloo Chamber, all away from the public. It is claimed he wanted to wear the formal uniform of the rank at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year, prompting a decision that all royal men would wear civilian morning coats to avoid any embarrassment.Prince Charles and Prince William during the carriage procession to Windsor Castle after the Order of the Garter service at St. Camera Icon One royal insider says there should be no expectation from Andrew being welcomed back. Prince Charles is understood to be prominent among those who feel he must be kept at arm’s length to avoid damaging the entire institution of the British monarchy.Īndrew became Colonel of the Grenadier Guards five years ago after his father stepped back from public life – and is said to have particularly enjoyed the role. The insider said the duke could “lobby all he wanted, if indeed he has, but whether he would ever get anything back is an entirely different matter”.Īn aide said the statement from January in which he was stripped of his roles “with the Queen’s approval and agreement”, still “speaks for itself”. Credit: Frank Augstein /APīuckingham Palace and Andrew’s spokesman last night declined to comment on the claims.īut one royal insider suggested that, whether he had asked or not, there should be no expectation of being welcomed back. Most importantly for him is his status as an HRH and Prince of the Blood and he feels that should be reinstated and his position recognised and respected.” Camera Icon Disgraced Prince Andrew is pushing for a return to royal duties and wants his ceremonial role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards reinstated, according to claims. Having remained a Counsellor of State, he also believes he should be included at royal and state events. It was reported last night that the duke believes he should also be included in other royal and state events.Ī source said: “The colonelcy of the Grenadier Guards was his most coveted title and he wants it back. It would have been the closest he has been to large crowds of members of the public in recent years and had sparked fears he could even be booed. He was to appear because he is a member of the Order, the country’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry and a personal honour given at the bequest of the Queen. On the outer Queen’s secret talks over Andrew’s life away from publicīut that plan was scrapped with senior royals fearing “backlash”, according to reports.