Royals

Why everyone is talking about Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at this year’s historic Order of the Garter service

The future Queen was bestowed a very special honour.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the royal tradition that is the Order of the Garter procession and service at St George’s Chapel has not been held in three years.

But on Monday, senior royals and Knights of the Order of the Garter, the oldest British Order of Chivalry established in 1348 by King Edward III, stepped out for Garter Day celebrations in Windsor.

The day was particularly significant for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall who became a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter and though the Queen didn’t attend the service in person, she made sure to celebrate her daughter-in-law.

Though she did not attend the procession due to her mobility issues, the Queen made sure to honour Garter Day 2022. (Image: The Royal Family)

Dressed in her blue Garter sash, Garter star badge, and Bow Brooch, the Palace released an image taken at Windsor Castle of the Queen, who is sovereign of the Garter, with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall standing either side of her in their velvet Garter robes.

Her Majesty was also holding her walking stick and didn’t take part in the traditional procession of Garter Knights and Ladies through the grounds of the castle due to her ongoing mobility issues.

The Knights and Ladies are people chosen personally by the Queen for their work in public office after contributing to national life.

Prince William rides beside his father in the carriage. (Image: Getty)

This year, Camilla became a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter. (Image: Getty)

The Garter Day celebrations were also attended by Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, the Duchess of Cornwall’s children from her first marriage.

Camilla’s honour comes a few short months after the Queen announced that she wishes Camilla to take on the styling of queen consort when Charles ascends the throne.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” the Queen wrote back in February.

Camilla’s children Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes were also spotted at the procession. (Image: Getty)

Despite the Queen’s absence, royal fans were delighted to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Anne and her husband Tim Laurence and the Earl and Countess of Wessex also in attendance.

Dressed in a blue coat dress, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge accessorised her look with a Juliette Botterill Millinery fascinator, a matching clutch bag and a tanzanite-and-diamond necklace and earrings from G. Collins & Sons.

The royal style icon also brought an extra splash of sparkles with her Aquazurra sling back heels and was spotted chatting to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who was a vision in pink Valentino.

The Countess of Wessex and Duchess of Cambridge’s fashion caught royal fans’ attention. (Image: Getty)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge accompanied the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in their carriage. (Image: Getty)

The last Garter Day procession was held in 2019 when the British royals were accompanied by several members of other European blue-blooded families.

That year, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands along with King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain joined the British royals when the kings were invested.

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