William and Kate Attend Order of the Garter Services

Ever since William and Kate have been married there has been an endless array of royal duties, attendances and appearances. On Monday (June 13) the newly royal couple took part in the Order of the Garter service festivities. This is the most senior and oldest British order of chivalry. More than 6,000 people gathered at Windsor Castle partly to see the pageantry, but mostly to see the newest royal member of the family, Kate. Her mother-in-law, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall was paired up with Kate as the two watched the procession of senior royals and Members of the Order of the Garter. This is a yearly service for those chosen who have held public office, contributed to national life and served the sovereign.

What is The Order of the Garter?

It is the oldest order of chivalry, or institution of knighthood, dating all the way back to 1348. Edward III was its founder where the number of knights or members is limited to 24 in a year. Those who are in now are higher-level members of the British royal family, European and foreign royalties, and British politicians. When you hear of knighthood it is not to be confused with the title of ¹Sir' or ¹Dame' given to British rock stars, pop singers, actors and other noted celebrities. In 2008 Prince William was made a member of the Royal Knight of the Order. Now in 2011 he;s become the one thousand member of this senior British order of chivalry.

The Procession and Grand Display of Arms

This is an annual service held at the St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England. The patron saint for the Order of the Garter is St. George, so the chapel is its spiritual home. The knights are required to wear their banner with its coat of arms, crest and sword and an enameled stall plate. In essence the clothing must of been similar to what was worn in 1348. When Kate saw her husband in the procession wearing his oversize plume hat she gave him a sheepish smile. William in turn talked to his father to hide his obvious blushing.

Kate Stole the Show Once Again

In every appearance thus far Kate has stolen the show with her excellent choice of fashion. The Order of the Garter festivities was no exception. She shined in her dove-grey coat with a matching Rachel Trevor-Morgan fascinator or a stylish millinery-type headpiece. Other members of the royal family in attendance besides Prince Charles, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall were Prince Philip and the Queen. Making a rare appearance was a female member of the Order of the Garter, former British Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher.


SOURCES:

"Prince William & Kate: Order of the Garter!", Just Jared.com

Alun Palmer, "Kate Middleton upstages Camilla at Order of the Garter service in dove-grey coat", Mirror.co.uk

List of the Knights of the Garter, Heraldica.org

The Official Website of The Royal Monarchy -- Knighthoods, Royal.gov.uk

The Official Website of The Royal Monarchy -- Order of the Garter, Royal.gov.uk

"Britain's royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, mark Garter Day", Canadian Press -- The Associated Press, Google.com

"The Royal family and Knights of the Order of the Garter parade in Windsor", Telegraph.co.uk

"Kate Middleton, Prince William, Queen Elizabeth grace Order of the Garter gala [Photos]", Entertainment & Stars -- International Business Times