Prince William joins King Charles for Garter Day service - but Kate Middleton misses out
Prince William has joined King Charles for the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle - but the Princess of Wales missed out.
Father and son joined Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family at the traditional celebration commemorating the ancient Order of the Garter this afternoon as the busy royal summer period begins in earnest. The much-loved event comes just two days after the King's birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, where Kate made her triumphant first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis.
However, as her treatment is set to continue for several months, her appearance on Saturday did not signal a full-time return to royal duties. Royal sources said public duties would be measured with how she feels at any given time and would not include today's Order of the Garter ceremony or any part of the Royal Ascot festival, which begins tomorrow.
William smiles as he takes part in the procession
In a statement on Friday, Kate said that she "hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer". She explained: "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal."
Today, the royal who are Ladies and Knights of the Order of the Garter – the country's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry – processed down the hill from the Berkshire castle's State Apartments to St George's Chapel, dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, watched by crowds of onlookers, which included Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who in other years is joined by Kate After the ceremony, Charles, Camilla and members of the royal family departed by carriage and returned to the castle.
William chats to Sophie and Edward after the ceremony
Other royals in the order include Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra. Prince Andrew is also a member but like last year, was not among those in the parade.
The installation of new Companions of the Order – including composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber who has been made a Knight Companion – will take place during the service. Theatre impresario Lord Lloyd Webber, whose hit musicals include The Phantom Of The Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, will also attend a private investiture in the castle’s Garter Throne Room earlier in the day.
Also being invested will be the Duchess of Gloucester as a Royal Lady of the Garter, as well as Lord Kakkar, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London and Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, who have both been made Knight Companions. Founded in 1348 by Edward III, the Garter is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievement.
Charles and Camilla wave to onlookers from their carriage
It 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.
The appointment of Knights and Ladies of the Garter is the King's gift and is made without consulting ministers. The investing of new companions with the Order's Insignia is a key feature of the annual ceremony and is done by the monarch.