Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was a vision in summery pink as she celebrated Garter Day at Windsor Palace – just days before her 25th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. And while silver is traditional to commemorate a quarter century of marriage, the Duke of Edinburgh donned his blue velvet garter robes during the ceremonial procession into St George’s chapel, where royals gathered for the new investitures into The Most Noble Order of the Garter.
During the procession through the streets of Windsor, which was led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Duke of Edinburgh still found time to offer a touching acknowledgement of his wife, who stood in support at the sidelines.
The Order, which was first established by King Edward III in 1348, is the oldest and most senior chivalric order in Britain, and Garter Day therefore warrants all the pomp and circumstance the monarchy can muster. And, as ever, they did not disappoint.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were joined in the summer sun by Prince William, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and The Duke of Kent for the procession. And for whom was this illustrious company gathered? Birgitte, The Duchess of Gloucester, wife of the late Queen Elizabeth’s cousin the Duke of Gloucester, was invested as a Royal Lady of the Garter, and theatre impresario Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was named a Knight Companion. Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach has also received the honour this afternoon alongside Lord Kakkar, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London.