The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of knighthood in the United Kingdom. Garter Day is accordingly strange. However, two prominent royals are missing.
The British royal couple, other royals and numerous other celebrities appeared on Monday at the annual ceremony of the Order of the Garter, “Garter Day”, in Windsor. In full regalia, with plumed hat and robe, King Charles III (75), Queen Camilla (76), Prince William (41) and numerous other members of the order walked in a ceremonial procession through the forecourt of Windsor Castle. “Garter Day” is always celebrated with a service in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Among those present were former Prime Ministers Tony Blair (71) and John Major (81) and musical legend Andrew Lloyd Webber (76), who were inducted into the Order for their services. Princess Kate (42), who celebrated her return to public life at the King’s birthday parade “Trooping the Colour” at the weekend despite ongoing cancer treatment with chemotherapy, was absent.
Also absent was Prince Andrew (64), who had to largely withdraw from the public eye due to his involvement in the abuse scandal surrounding the deceased US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Many appointments
It is a busy time for King Charles, who is also being treated for cancer, and Queen Camilla. They are expected to attend the horse races in Ascot in the coming days and next week they will receive the Japanese imperial couple on a state visit.
The Order of the Garter, founded in 1348 by King Edward III, is the most important order of knighthood in the United Kingdom and was probably inspired by the stories of King Arthur and the Round Table.
According to legend, the order owes its curious name to a garter that Edward III’s lover lost while dancing. The king is said to have tied it around his leg and shouted: “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (Shame on him who thinks evil of it) – which remains the order’s motto to this day.
Source: Stern
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