The Duchess of Cambridge has once again wowed royal onlookers after she stepped out in a dazzling bright blue ensemble for the annual Order of the Garter Service which took place yesterday, June 13, at Windsor Castle, for the first time in three years.
The Duchess donned a truly gorgeous bright blue blazer coat dress by Alexander McQueen paired with a darker blue clutch and matching pointed shoes and accessorised with a statement tanzanite pendant necklace $A14693.25 (£8,400), matching pendent earrings $A10670.10 (£6,100) and elegant designer headpiece $A979.55 (£560).
Kate was pictured smiling widely as she enjoyed an exclusive carriage ride alongside Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall as they left St George’s Chapel after the Garter Service. Prince William, Princes Charles and Camilla were pictured in their formal Order of the Garter velvet robes, hats and respective insignia as they travelled from the Chapel service to the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle.
In seperate pictures posted to The Royal Family’s official Instagram page, The Queen was pictured looking radiant in a sparkling silver and white gown as she clutched her walking stick and posed between Prince Charles and Camilla. Seperate photos of Princess Anne and Prince Edward and wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex were also shared to the Instagram.
The Countess of Wessex also opted for bright colours as she donned a statement long-sleeve baby pink flare dress and stunning gold and silver headpiece and matching gold clutch. The breath-taking royal women were pictured standing side by side, beaming smiles spread across their faces.
As described by Royal.uk, “The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain”, and has been a long-standing tradition for over 700 years. “King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter”.
Queen Elizabeth is the current Sovereign of the Garter where she, alongside a number of royal family members and 24 knights chosen by the Sovereign make up the Order. Chosen knights are recognised for their service to public office or direct contribution to the Sovereign.
According to The Daily Mail, previous rumours had been circling that “Prince William told the Queen and Prince Charles that he would pull out of today’s Order of the Garter ceremony if his uncle Prince Andrew was given a public role”.
Despite the alleged rumours, the Duke and Duchess appeared as delighted as ever as they participated in the day’s grand procession of the knights alongside close royal family members.