Prince William.Photo:HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Prince Williamis taking part in an annual royal tradition for the first time as heir to the throne.
There’s a reason Prince William’s robe, or mantle, looks familiar — he recentlywore the Order of the Garter vestmentat his fatherKing Charles' coronation in May.
King Charles and Queen Camilla.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images
Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images
Among those in the procession, for her first time as Queen, was Camilla, 75. Other prominent knights, like the former U.K. prime ministers, made up the rest.
Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Notably absent from the outing was Prince Andrew. Even though King Charles' brother is a member of the order, he has been barred from taking a public role for the last two years. However, Prince Andrew – who was disgraced after his disastrous interview in which he tried to justify his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — is thought to be joining the lunch and reception at the castle after the service.
Prince Andrew, 63, was allowed to wear his elaborate Order of the Garter robes to the coronation of his brother Charles.
Membership of the order is limited to the monarch, the Prince of Wales, royals both from the U.K. and abroad and 24 Companions, and appointments are at the monarch’s sole discretion to recognize public service or personal service to the sovereign. The knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds.
King Charles.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images
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King Charles was appointed to the Order in 1958, while Prince William received his Order of the Garter knighthood in 2008 — and histhen-girlfriend Kate attended his first service as a member!
Princess Kate’s outfit for Monday’s event was reminiscent of her debut at the event 15 years ago — for both outings, she wore black and white polka dot ensembles. Back in 2008, she opted for a black coat dress with tiny white dots, and for her Princess of Wales debut at the event, she chose a white dress with black spots.
Other members of the royal family who are Companions in the Order include Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra.
King Felipe of Spain and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands were both installed as members of the Order at the Garter Day in 2019. Several other foreign monarchs are also companions, including Queen Margrethe of Denmark, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and King Harald of Norway.
Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh both attended Monday’s outing, which fell on a special milestone: their 24th wedding anniversary.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The event came during a busy public period for the family. Over the weekend, Princess Kate and Prince Williamcelebrated Father’s Daywith their three children —Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5 — after the annualTrooping the Colour paradeon Saturday. This week also sees the Royal Ascot horse race meeting, which most royal family members are expected to attend.
source: people.com
