WINDSOR, England: King Charles III led members of the British Royal Family at the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle, one of the most significant events on the royal calendar.
The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and other senior royals for the centuries-old tradition held at St George’s Chapel.
In a statement shared on the Royal Family’s official social media account, Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, attended the Service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle.
Founded by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, the Order of the Garter is Britain’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. Membership is limited to the Sovereign, the Queen, members of the Royal Family and a select group of individuals honored for distinguished public service.
Ahead of the ceremony, senior royals attended a luncheon at Windsor Castle before taking part in the traditional procession to St George’s Chapel. Following the service, members of the royal party returned to the castle by carriage.
Prince William participated in the procession wearing the order’s signature blue velvet robes. The Prince of Wales was invested as the order’s 1,000th Knight by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.
Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie and Sir Tim Laurence watched the procession from the Galilee Porch as crowds gathered to witness the historic event.