On June 15, 2026, members of the British royal family gathered at Windsor Castle to take part in the illustrious Garter Day celebrations. This annual ceremony honours the Order of the Garter, which is recognised as the oldest chivalric order in Britain, having been established by King Edward III in 1348. Following closely on the heels of the recent Trooping the Colour event, the royals yet again demonstrated their commitment to longstanding traditions.
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Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla were among the distinguished members present, all adorned in striking blue velvet robes and flamboyant hats plumed with ostrich feathers. This ceremonial display is steeped in historical significance and pays homage to the original tales of King Arthur and the legendary Knights of the Round Table, which inspired Edward III to create this honourable fellowship.
While Kate Middleton and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, do not hold membership in the Order, they attended the event to support their husbands. The two royal women were seen alongside the procession route, smiling warmly as they watched their spouses partake in the festivities. Their presence illustrated the sense of unity and tradition within the royal family.
The Order of the Garter has evolved over the centuries, moving away from its original exclusivity, which catered primarily to the aristocracy. Today’s membership is inclusive, featuring individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to public service. As of now, membership includes King Charles, several senior royals, and twenty-four knights and ladies chosen by the monarch for their service to the nation.
Currently, members of the Order include key figures such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Gloucester, among others. Annual ceremonies have been a continuous tradition since 1948, during which new Companions are formally invested with the Order’s insignia in a ceremony held in the Throne Room of Windsor Castle.
Following the investiture, a lunch is hosted by the monarch, allowing members to gather and celebrate. This is followed by a procession to St. George’s Chapel, where new Companions are formally installed. After the chapel service, the royal members return to the Upper Ward of the castle, travelling in carriages and vehicles, a practice that adds an extra layer of pomp to the day.
In a notable change to the membership roster, former Prince Andrew has been ousted from the Order after losing his royal titles in late 2025. King Charles made the difficult decision against his brother amid ongoing discussions surrounding Andrew’s associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Andrew’s assertions of innocence regarding his ties to Epstein, the move to strip him of his titles marked a significant moment for the royal family.
Garter Day is traditionally celebrated in June, strategically placed shortly after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which commemorates the monarch’s birthday. The latest Trooping the Colour took place just a few days prior, on June 13, further emphasising the busy and ceremonial nature of the royal calendar.
As the celebrations concluded, the regal display during Garter Day not only served to honour the past but also highlighted the monarchy’s ongoing commitment to public service and its adaptation to the modern era. The royal family continues to find a balance between tradition and contemporary relevance, ensuring that such traditions endure through generations.