King Charles III Attends His First Order of the Garter as British Sovereign

His Majesty, King Charles III attended his first Order of the Garter ceremony as British Sovereign on June 19, 2023. He led the Royal Family and Order's Knights and Ladies in the historic Order of the Garter procession at Windsor's St George's Chapel. 

Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry and the highest in the honor system of the United Kingdom. This year's event is the first time The King has taken part as Sovereign of ‘The Order of the Garter’.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Order of the Garter procession. Photo credit: PA

Last year, Camilla, as The Duchess of Cornwall, was installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, having been appointed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021.

At 2.45 in the afternoon, the grand procession began to make its way down to the chapel from the castle quadrangle before the 3pm service.

The Princess of Wales and The Duchess of Edinburgh. Photo credit: PA

The Duke of Gloucester, The Princess Royal, and The Prince of Wales. Photo credit: The Royal Family

It was headed by the Governor of Windsor Castle and the Military Knights of Windsor followed by heralds and then the knights of the order themselves.

More than 2,000 spectators watched the royal pageantry in Windsor, cheering for the Royal Family members. As the King and Queen arrived at the door to the chapel a fanfare of trumpets was played.

The Prince and Princess of Wales

Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent, 87, a Royal Knight Companion, was waiting in the chapel and did not take part in the procession, due to his health. Her younger sister, Princess Alexandra, a Royal Lady Companion of the Garter, was not in attendance due to mobility issues.

Members of the Royal Family after the church service. Photo credit: PA

The Princess Royal, The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Prince of Wales

Order of the Garter procession to St. George's chapel, Windsor. Photo credit: PA

The King's brother, Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, was not part of the procession. Since his sex-abuse scandal issues, he was barred from attending royal public events and was forced to step back from his senior royal role. 

However, it was reported that Prince Andrew, in his role as a Royal Knight Companion, was invited to lunch at Windsor Castle attended by all Knights and Ladies Companion of the Garter.

The King and Queen

The Order of the Garter was first established by King Edward III in the 14th century, nearly 700 years ago. The English king was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honorable knights.

Order of Procession from Windsor Castle to St. George's chapel. Photo credit: PA

Order of the Garter procession

The modern-day Order includes King Charles III, who is the Sovereign of the Garter, senior Members of the Royal Family, and a maximum of twenty-four knights chosen personally by the Sovereign to honor those who have held public office, or who have contributed to a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally. 

St. George's chapel

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Photo credit: PA

Current members of the British Royal Family who are Royal Knights and Lady Companions of the Order are the following, including the year of their installation:

1. HM King Charles III - since 1958 (as the Prince of Wales)
2. HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent - since 1985
3. HRH Anne, The Princess Royal - since 1994
4. HRH Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester - since 1997
5. HRH Princess Alexandra, The Lady Ogilvy - since 2003
6. HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York - since 2006
7. HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh - since 2006 (as The Earl of Wessex)
8. HRH William, The Prince of Wales - since 2008
9. HM Queen Camilla - since 2022 (as The Duchess of Cornwall)

Traditionally, since the reign of King George III in the 18th century, all royal sons of the British Sovereigns were invested into the Order of the Garter as Royal Knights. 

His Majesty King Charles III

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex might be the only son of the British monarch since the 18th century who would not be admitted to the Garter because he is no longer a working royal.

The annual Garter Day procession, where The King and the Knights process in grand velvet robes, glistening insignia, and plumed hats, is one of the most traditional ceremonies in the Royal calendar.

READ: Everything You Need To Know About Order of the Garter

The Princess of Wales and The Duchess of Edinburgh

During Monday's Order of the Garter procession, Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, looked so summery and radiant in her pink floral midi dress from Emilia Wickstead and a matching pinkish hat from Jane Taylor Millinery. She also wore a pair of white pumps from Emmy London.

The Princess of Wales and The Duchess of Edinburgh

The Princess of Wales opted for a classic look, repeating her white polka dot midi dress from Alexandra Rich which she wore in the 2022 Royal Ascot, She also wore a pair of pumps from Jennifer Chamandi, a beautiful hat with a white floral accent from Philip Treacy.