Leading ladies Kate and Sophie arrive for the Order of the Garter ceremony at St George's Chapel - with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor absent for the first time after insisting on attending a private lunch in 2025.
The King and Queen led a full turn-out of senior royals today at one of the highlights of the palace calendar.
Accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, the family were at Windsor for the annual service of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel.
The King and Queen led the procession down from the castle after a private lunch to the chapel, the historic place of worship and spiritual home of the ancient order of chivalry and the most senior knighthood in the United Kingdom.
Royal members include Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Gloucesters, as well as the Duke of Kent.
The former Duke of York - now plain Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - had been a member since 2006 and stubbornly insisted on attending the private lunch even after being stripped of his public duties over the Epstein scandal.
However last year he was finally struck off the roll and his banner was removed from the chapel after the King moved to strip his brother of all his remaining titles, including that of prince. His appointment was annulled on 30 October 2025.
It is believed that this year is the first year that Andrew has not attended in any capacity at all - having insisted on attending the lunch at last year’s event.
A royal source said that since Andrew is no longer a member of the Order it is logical that he is not attending any element of the day.
Andrew is now living in Norfolk while police investigate allegations of misconduct in public office.
Non-members such as the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh watch from the chapel’s Galilee Porch entrance as the order’s members - resplendent in velvet plumes and caps with ostrich feathers - walk past.
The Princess of Wales was wearing a beautiful lemon coat dress, made in London by Patrick McDowell - the designer she gave the Queen Elizabeth Award for Design to last year.
The fabric was woven for Her Royal Highness by Stephen Walters & Sons, in Suffolk. She also sported a hat by Jane Taylor, trimmed with fabric from Mr Walters. Her earrings were by Robinson & Pelham.
The Princess of Wales was seen smiling and waving at several of the members of the order - and gazing proudly at her husband, Prince William, as well as curtseying to her father-in-law, the King.
The royal party walked down Castle Hill wearing the traditional robes and plumed hats of the Order, following the Military Knights of Windsor and the Heralds and followed by a detachment of The King's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard.
The Duke of Kent and Lady Mary Peters both attended the service but did not take part in the procession.
Notable figures taking part this year included former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, former Conservative Party chairman Lord Patten and former diplomat and Labour Peer Baroness Amos.
The service began with the installation of the new Garter knights and they took their places in their stalls, followed by the King, before the congregation joined in the Lord's Prayer.
The Queen wore a white chiffon evening dress by Fiona Clare under her Garter robe.
Following the service, Their Majesties and the other royals will depart by carriage for their return journey to the castle.
Ahead of the Service, the three new Companions to the Most Noble Order of the Garter were invested at a private investiture in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle.
Three new members were announced in April: The Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield - a journalist, academic and historian - to be a Knight Companion, former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Lord O’Donnell, GCB to be a Knight Companion and The Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon, a former Lord Chief Justice, to be a Knight Companion.
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain.
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