Pomp and ceremony for Order of the Garter

Celeb Gist
Reuters Queen Elizabeth waves to crowdsReuters

Crowds have gathered in Windsor to watch the Queen and Knights of the Garter attend the annual Order of the Garter ceremony.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior orders of chivalry in Britain, with knights chosen in recognition of their public service.

Getty Images The Knights of the Garter, guards, military and members of the Royal Family surround the west steps at St George's ChapelGetty ImagesThe ceremony was held at St George's Chapel, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married last monthGetty Images Guards, military, other members of the Royal Family and the Knights of the Garter look on as Queen Elizabeth II walks down the steps to her carriage during the Order of the Garter Service at Windsor CastleGetty ImagesMembers of the military were in ceremonial uniform for the occasion

The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Royal and the Duke of York were among the members of the Royal Family joining the Queen on Monday.

The ceremony was held at St George's Chapel - in the grounds of Windsor Castle - where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married in May.

Getty Images Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Garter and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in his role as a Knight CompanionGetty ImagesPrince Charles, in his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Garter, and Prince William, as a Knight Companion, are both knights of the order.Getty Images Knights of the garter parade through crowds in WindsorGetty ImagesThe two newest members of the order - Dame Mary Fagan and the Viscount Brookeborough - walked at the front of the procession

Knights donned velvet robes and plumed hats for the grand procession through the castle's grounds, accompanied by a marching band and officers of the order.

Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Queen, who is Sovereign of the Garter.

Reuters Prince WilliamReutersThe Duke of CambridgeGetty Images The Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales joined the Queen in her carriageGetty ImagesThe Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales joined the Queen in her carriage

This year the Queen made two new appointments to the Garter - Dame Mary Fagan and the Viscount Brookeborough.

Dame Mary served as a Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and was the Chancellor of the University of Winchester from 2006 until 2014.

Alan Henry Brooke, 3rd Viscount Brookeborough, is a personal Lord-in-Waiting to the Queen.

Getty Images Princess Royal attends the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor CastleGetty ImagesPrincess Anne also attended the service at Windsor CastleGetty Images Princess Alexandra and the Duke of KentGetty ImagesPrincess Alexandra and the Duke of Kent were part of the procession

Other members of the order include former Prime Minister Sir John Major and Admiral Lord Boyce, former head of the UK's armed forces.

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