The Princess of Wales proudly stood on the sidelines as she supported Prince William at the royals’ annual Garter Day parade – but it seems they suffered a relatable mix-up
A giggling Princess of Wales left Prince William hanging during a relatable mix-up at the annual Garter Day. Kate missed last year’s event during the period she was receiving cancer treatment but returned today to watch the procession of Ladies and Knights of the Garter through the grounds of Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel.
The King and Queen followed tradition and were at the back of the procession dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, as were the other members of the order including William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward. As Kate and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh are not part of the order, they stood on the chapel’s Galilee Portch, a traditional vantage point to see the spectacle, as they waited for their husbands to pass by.
As the elderly Military Knights of Windsor, who led the procession, appeared into view and made their way slowly past them, the two women appeared tickled by something, laughing together.
But it meant when William came into view further up the hill, he appeared to keep glancing towards his wife but she was too busy chatting to the Duchess. And then when Kate, wearing a white Self Portrait dress, finally looked up, William was chatting to Edward walking beside him meaning they missed each other’s eye.
However, it wasn’t long before the pair were reunited as after the ceremony in the chapel, they shared a carriage ride together back to Windsor Castle.
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain, with knights chosen by the sovereign in recognition of their outstanding public service and achievement. Last year, the Duchess of Gloucester was invested, having been made a Royal Lady Companion.
Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, a retired RAF officer who chairs Nato’s military committee, Lord Kakkar, a professor of surgery, and Lord Lloyd-Webber, the composer, were also invested and installed as Knights.
Other Knights include former prime ministers Sir John Major and Sir Tony Blair and Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5, the first female chancellor of the Order.
One royal missing from today’s procession was Prince Andrew, who despite being a member of the order, has not taken part in the public procession for the last four years.
However, he was seen earlier today dressed in a shirt and tie driving to Windsor Castle for the event, where he was believed to have taken part in the event’s annual lunch and investiture, which takes place behind closed doors.
The Order of the Garter is limited to 24 Knights or Ladies Companion, in addition to the King and the Prince of Wales and several “supernumerary members”, including some foreign monarchs such as the King of Spain and the King of the Netherlands.
Recipients of the honour are chosen because they have held public office, contributed to national life or served the sovereign personally.