Princess Kate and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive at Windsor for Order of the Garter service
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The Order of the Garter is Britain's oldest chivalric award
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King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Order of the Garter procession at Windsor Castle today.
The royals stepped out while resplendent in the traditional velvet robes and plumed hats of Britain's most senior order of chivalry.
His Majesty was pictured smiling as he presided over the elaborate display in blazing sunshine.
The Queen walked alongside him in the order's full regalia as the procession made its way down the hill from the castle's quadrangle to St George's Chapel.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led proceedings at the Order of the Garter procession
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The Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal were among the senior royals taking part in the ceremony.
The Princess of Wales attended her first Order of the Garter ceremony in two years, having missed last year's event whilst undergoing cancer treatment.
She wore a cream Self Portrait dress with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Sean Barrett.
Kate stood with the Duchess of Edinburgh under a canopy at the Galilee Porch entrance to the chapel, emerging at least 10 minutes before the procession began.
Charles and Camilla waved to crowds as they left the prestigious event in a carriage
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The two women chatted and laughed together throughout the ceremony.
As the Military Knights of Windsor led the procession past them, the Princess and Sophie appeared particularly amused by something, giggling together as they watched the colourful display.
Hundreds of spectators, many sheltering from the heat with straw hats and parasols, cheered as the party slowly progressed through the grounds.
The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348, making it the oldest order of chivalry in the UK.
Kate and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, joined the King and Queen at the event
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The annual parade sees members of the Royal Family travel to Windsor to attend a service in St George's Chapel and take part in a procession around the grounds.
Ladies and Knights of the Order process down the hill from Windsor Castle's State Apartments to St George's Chapel, dressed in distinctive white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes.
The 50-minute service was broadcast via loudspeakers to spectators outside.
The Order of the Garter is the country's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry, outranked only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
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Prince William was in full regalia as he walked in the procession
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The Order includes the King as Sovereign of the Garter, Queen Camilla, several members of the Royal Family, and up to 24 Companions recognised for their dedication to public service.
New appointments are formally invested by the monarch in the Garter Throne Room.
Members include former prime ministers Sir John Major and Sir Tony Blair, and Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5 and the first female chancellor of the Order.
Prince Andrew has not taken part in the public procession since 2019.