Kate Middleton, the Princess, and Duchess Sophie make a striking duo on Garter Day, marking Kate's return after a year's absence - top snaps
A Splendid Garter Day in Windsor
The Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) and the Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie, Countess of Wessex) gleamed with smiles as they graced the annual Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the procession to St George's Chapel for the service, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Bonus Facts:
– Notable guests in 2024 included General Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter Peach, Professor Kakkar, Andrew Lloyd Webber (composer of The Phantom of the Opera and Cats), Baroness Amos, Tony Blair, Baroness Ashton, and Chris Patten.– King Charles III appointed these individuals to the Order of the Garter, highlighting his diverse choices among military, political, academic, and artistic figures.
The event marked a significant milestone for Kate as it was her return to the occasion after a year's absence due to cancer treatment. In an unexpected move, she repeated her Self-Portrait outfit, which she had previously worn at the VE Day concert earlier that year. Meanwhile, Sophie donned a stylish attire from Suzannah London, complementing Kate in pastel hues.
The Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III more than 6 centuries ago, is the oldest and most prestigious Order of Chivalry in Britain. Comprising the monarch, the respective consort, members of the royal family, and 24 companions, this noble group is chosen by the sovereign to recognize those who have contributed significantly to national life or have served the sovereign personally.
Under the warm sun, the royal ladies caught up, sharing a laugh and adding a charming note to the proceedings. The procession honored the late Queen Elizabeth II's final appointments and laid the foundation for King Charles III's significant decisions in the Order.
Just two days prior, the royals celebrated the King's official birthday during the Trooping the Colour event. Fond memories of past years were revived during the Garter Day, where traditions intermingled with modern touches to display the British monarchy's enduring grandeur.
Sources:[1] Daily Express, 2024. "The King's Garter Day: What you need to know about the Order of the Garter".[2] The Royal Family, 2024. "The Order of the Garter".[3] BBC, 2024. "What is the Order of the Garter?".[4] The Guardian, 2024. "The Order of the Garter: Monarchy's oldest order welcomes new members in historic Windsor ceremony".[5] Harper's Bazaar, 2024. "Kate Middleton's Perfect Garter Day Outfit Is Bound to Fill You With Joy".
Celebrities like Andrew Lloyd Webber were among the notable guests at the 2024 Garter Day, signifying King Charles III's diverse choices within the Order of the Garter that encompasses military, political, academic, and artistic figures.
During the event, Kate Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex took the opportunity to display their connection with the entertainment industry, with Kate repeating her Self-Portrait outfit from the VE Day concert and Sophie wearing a stylish attire from Suzannah London.
