Prince William’s recent appearance in a historic costume at the annual Garter Day ceremony at Windsor Castle has caught the attention of fans on social media. The event, which took place on June 17, saw William attending alongside several other senior royals, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior of England’s chivalric orders, was the focus of the day’s celebrations. Membership in this order is appointed solely by the monarch, dating back to 1348 when it was founded by King Edward III. The ceremonial home of the order is St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the annual service and festivities take place.
Prince William has a special connection to the Order of the Garter, as Queen Elizabeth II made him the order’s 1,000th knight in 2008. The Garter Day celebrations consist of various elements, including a lunch for serving knights and their spouses in the Waterloo Gallery of Windsor Castle, followed by an installment ceremony for new knights and ladies in the castle’s Garter Throne Room. The day concludes with a procession from the castle to St. George’s Chapel, where a religious service is held. Members of the order wear their historic robes during the procession, which has captivated social media users and sparked discussions about the antiquated outfits.
The vestments of the Order of the Garter include a cloak, or mantle, and Tudor-style bonnet with a white feather, both introduced in the 15th and 16th centuries. The mantle is made of blue velvet and features the St. George’s Cross emblem encircled by the garter. Male members wear the garter around the left calf, while female members wear it around the left arm. Additionally, members wear collars that feature heraldic symbols associated with the order, along with a figure of St. George slaying a dragon. At state occasions where white tie is worn, members can be identified by the blue sash they wear across their chest.
Outside of the Garter Day events, members of the order display their membership at state banquets and other formal occasions by wearing the blue sash across the chest. Appointments to the Order of the Garter are made by the reigning monarch for the lifetime of the knight or lady. The appointments are typically given to individuals who have provided valuable service to the monarch or the country. Despite the historic nature of the order and its ceremonies, social media users have expressed curiosity and amusement about the elaborate costumes worn by members during Garter Day, with some likening the outfits to fancy pirates or items from a child’s dress-up chest.
Overall, Prince William’s participation in the recent Garter Day ceremony at Windsor Castle has shone a spotlight on the traditions and costumes associated with the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most esteemed chivalric order in England. The event, which includes various elements such as a procession and religious service, celebrates the rich history and significance of the order, known for its distinguished members appointed by the monarch. While the occasion may appear antiquated to some, it represents a longstanding tradition that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences, sparking conversations on social media and beyond about the unique customs and attire of the order.
