Prince William – Royal Knight of the Garter
Prince William, wearing an ostrich plumed hat and velvet robes, on Monday was made a Royal Knight of the Garter in a ceremony full of regal pomp.
The prince, second in line to the throne, was formally appointed to the most senior order of British chivalry at Saint George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, west of London.
William, who turns 26 on Saturday, was watched by his girlfriend Kate Middleton, 26, and brother Prince Harry, 23.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry in the world, established in 1348 by the queen’s ancestor king Edward III.
William is now a Royal Knight Companion and the 1,000th Knight of the Garter.
Wearing their distinctive white ostrich plumes, blue velvet robes and black velvet hats, the knights and ladies were watched by about 7,000 members of the public as they walked from the castle to the chapel for the church service.
Queen Elizabeth II, William’s paternal grandmother, formally installed the prince as a Royal Knight.
She officially presented her grandson with the regalia, including a blue garter, sash, robe or mantle and star during an investiture in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle.
The order has a maximum of 24 non-royal members, personally chosen by the sovereign, who is also a member. It is awarded for outstanding public service and achievement.
The queen’s children, Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward and Princess Anne are among the royal members of the order. (via AFP)
Links:
- William made Knight of the Garter – BBC (with video)
- Harry and Kate have a laugh at Wills as he joins ancient Order of the Garter – Daily Mai
- Chivalrous Honor for Prince William – MSNBC (with video)
- Court Circular: June 17 – Times Online
- Order of the Garter Service photos – Getty Images
- Order of the Garter – Wikipedia
Video:
June 17th, 2008 04:31
Hello,
What a day !
Absolutely wonderful coverage and for a change no speculation just true reporting.
William did look a little bashful and the rueful smile he made at the entrance to the Chapel was probably directed at his brother and at his lady.
They in turn seemed to be very happy about the event and no doubt someone, Kate perhaps,may have reminded Harry that he could well be the next.
For the rest of us the waiting continues and we hope against hope that now may be the time that PW and KM make their final promises to one another.
They will do this in their own time but for the rest of us that time can’t come quickly enough.
It still may be months or years off but honestly doesnt KM fit in. She already looks comfortable in this circle and seems very well accepted by the other royal ladies
How much will this day and this event stop the unfair and cruel attacks on KM and her family ?
June 17th, 2008 05:32
these stuff attacking catherine middleton she was very relaxed with the other royal ladies and i thinked the middleton clan is doing nothing to hurt prince william and the other royal families.
June 17th, 2008 05:58
Hello,
I don’t know why I haven’t commented previously but I do know that I have thought how pleasant it has been.
The last half dozen or so photographs of KM have been so different to any earlier series.
Her face has been wreathed in smiles in these latest photographs so perhaps she knows something that we don’t.
June 17th, 2008 06:12
I think it rather depends on the story the editors want to spin, but she does look very relaxed and comfortable with her ‘royal surroundings’, shall we say, in these photos.
I think this is a good sign of things to come…
June 17th, 2008 09:48
Zara Phillips is the early frontrunner in the Royal Ascot fashion stakes
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:36 PM on 17th June 2008
June 17th, 2008 10:12
I am happy for William that he gets knighted by his grandmother the Queen. I like his outfit it suits him very well!
June 17th, 2008 15:01
After the sheer high of yesterday, seeing Catherine looking so very comfortable with her future in-laws at such an important event, I must say today was just a wee bit of a letdown not to see Catherine at Ascot. Really would have ejoyed getting to see what she would have put together and was delighted to see Eugenie in Collette Dinnigan, one of Catherine’s favorite designers. Perhaps Catherine has already become the go-to girl for all things fashion in the family?
June 17th, 2008 19:34
alsgal, the excitment may not be over yet! The ever wishy-washy Daily Mail has a new article written by Richard Kay that says Kate’s mum Carole Middleton has been invited to the royal box at Ascot!
Richard Kay says the source of his information is an ‘Ascot source’ (whatever that is) and that the Queen has supposedly invited Mrs. Middleton to join her in the royal box at Ascot. R.Kay says that if Mrs. Middleton does attend and joins HM in the royal box, it will be on Ladies Day, which is this coming Thursday. Now I have to wait until Thursday to get confirmation of this story! Here is a link to the article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1027284/Has-Kates-mum-got-royal-date.html
June 17th, 2008 19:41
I don’t know what to make of this one. If this turns out to be true,I think Woolworth’s better get busy with those tea towels and right quick! On the other hand,it could be HM’s classy way of responding to the press and the way they have treated Kate and her family. We shall see…
June 17th, 2008 19:57
Fantastic news, mapleleaf and lisa, I’m inclined to believe there might be some truth to it given that this is the same Richard Kay who used to sit in parked cars getting the gossip from William’s mother.
Tomorrow is going to be one long day, I can tell you that — but let’s keep our fingers crossed because I think we are about to get a pleasant affirmation come this Thursday.
June 17th, 2008 20:02
I will say this, since P/A’s wedding, things between PW and KM seem to be rolling right along…Kate and her mother in the royal box with HM would sure be something. I wonder if they might be looking at a fall wedding? Fall is my favorite time of year but I know the weather in London could be an issue.
June 17th, 2008 20:12
I hope you’re right alsgal, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed too! I know you’re right about tomorrow being a long day though.
What makes me feel that it’s possible Richard Kay’s ’sources’ are correct is that he’s saying Kate won’t be present, just her mother and HM. This is definitely a big ‘wait and see’!
June 17th, 2008 20:15
mapleleaf, for what reason do you think Kate would not be present at a meeting of her Mother and HM? I feel for Mrs Middleton. I would be a mess of nerves!
June 17th, 2008 20:16
A fall or winter wedding would somehow surprise me. The Queen was married in November but that was after the War, so I would think a large scale affair was frowned upon.
Somehow I am expecting the engagement to come sometime this fall or over Christmas for a May/June/July wedding.
What I can’t wrap my brain around is, will it be St.Paul’s or the Abbey — both have a sort of tragic history for William, or at least I would think so. St. George’s would be lovely, but I don’t believe they could accomodate the crowds …
June 17th, 2008 20:24
OMG, the benefit is (if its true and Mrs. Middleton will go alone) – she can check every day getty images and make sure of her attire.
And I’m sure KM will give this time some advise to her mom.
The article is interesting, HM wants to make sure that Mrs. Middleton feels well of all the rubbish given to her last year ! Interesting….
June 17th, 2008 20:25
alsgal,I am also trying to figure the venue thing out. The Abbey…ohh…such a vivid memory. I just can’t imagine William standing there waiting for his bride with the memories of Diana’s funeral there. It will be either the abbey or st Pauls, thats for sure.
June 17th, 2008 20:34
Lisa, that’s exactly what I was thinking as well — the sad memories of his mother’s funeral versus the dashed hopes of his parents marriage, which would be a reminder of sorts if they chose St. Paul’s. St. George’s really would offer the fresh slate, but I believe the route can only hold a crowd of around 20,000 or so, and so much for the traditional kiss on the balcony.
Took a look at Stewart Parvin’s website today — for those who aren’t “into fashion” he has really transformed the Queen’s wardrobe (along with Angela Kelly) and I found some very pretty dresses in his bridal collection.
Wonder if Kate has a designer in mind already
June 17th, 2008 20:39
I will take a look..I can’t see Kate in anything big and poofy. Something tight fitting,possibly beaded. I suppose a long train is a given,though. She will make a lovely bride and what a wonderful event for the the country as well. So very exciting indeed.
June 17th, 2008 20:57
I agree, the big and poofy meringue of a dress is fortunately not the style these days, nor is it particularly flattering to Kate, at least not to my point of view.
One can almost see a Grace Kelly sort of elegance, with a fitted bodice and just a hint of beading. However, I don’t think the currently popular strapless look would be something HM would approve of …but perhaps I am just being too traditional.
Oh, here I go, getting carried away
June 17th, 2008 21:50
If this is true, I hope that Kate will attend.
June 17th, 2008 22:27
congrats prince wills
June 18th, 2008 06:08
Don’t worry alsgal, I can never resist the temptation to dream about wedding dresses and such. I agree that the bride should have her shoulders covered. For me, it is just respectful when in Church.
I think that Kate would look better in a simple yet elegant design, nothing with frills or bows. Something perhaps like Autumn Phillips nee Kelly wore to her wedding. She looked lovely in the suit she wore to the Garter ceremony and I think that shows that she looks better in more fitted clothes.
Congratulations to both of them if they are engaged. However, I do not believe the story that Mrs Middleton will meet the Queen on Thursday. I would expect a pubic meeting to take place after an engagement had been announced, not before.
June 18th, 2008 06:15
If Carole does attend,then maybe she has already met with HM and this is a follow up or an invitation that was extended during that meeting. Dare I suggest that the ever present “sources’ at the DM missed leaking the first meeting!
June 18th, 2008 06:54
Claudius sir,
Don’t you think it would be discourteous of KM to attend having allegedly (Daily Mail story) declined HM’s offer to host a table ?
June 18th, 2008 08:15
Hi Ked, I have never believed that story that she turned Her Majesty’s invitation down. Even Hello Magazine does not mention that she turned it down. If this story is true that her mother will be there tomorrow then you would think Kate would be there too. We just have to wait and see if Kate or her mother or even both will attend.
June 18th, 2008 08:38
I think if Catherine will attend, it will probably be with William. That is a big event and it would be great for them to attend for his birthday on Saturday. I think it’s great for the queen to give an invite to Mrs. Middleton and I think the introduction the the queen and prince william is giving is finally taking place.
June 18th, 2008 10:20
Claudius,
As you could see I distrust all press stories but distrust the DM stories and reporters most of all.
Obviously I would love to see KM attending especially under the auspices of HM.
In addition I would also like her mother to receive such an honour as she has had to take almost as much as her daughter and this would make many of the idiots eat their words.
However I am not absolutely certain that either will attend this year but we all have to pray and wait and see.
Rman,
I have a feeling that PW may be on his way to his next posting and will miss a birthday treat so don’t expect too much for staurday.
BUT remember the song “wouldn’t it be lovely”.
Lets all hope for both the above to happen.
June 18th, 2008 10:39
The Caribbean boat parol.
June 18th, 2008 11:45
After 6yrs my dorky second oldest brother, is finally engaged. I’ve just bought a bridal mag. He was making a joke that I should be the flower girl, ’cause I’m the size of a seven yr old. Yahh! Any way, the bride on the front of wedding bells magis wearing the perfect dress, elegant lines, to hug the body, it is strapless, but I think Catherine has a gorgeous neck and shoulders.IMOthe dress is by Simone Carvalli. Wow, Catherine would truely own this dress!! I can’t wait, Shall we have fluted or bowls for our Pims?