Queen attends Order of the Garter ceremony

The Queen flanked by Prince Charles and Prince William. Picture: Reuters

She joined members of her family and senior figures for the annual ceremony of pomp and pageantry staged in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The service was preceded by the procession of members of the Order of the Garter – one of the highlights of the royal season.

In a change with tradition, the Queen, who would normally walk with her husband, Prince Philip, was flanked by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge.

With Prince Charles on her right and Prince William on her left, she smiled as she walked towards st George’s Chapel for the service. Wearing their blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes, the Royal Garter Knights walked past thousands of spectators in the grounds of the castle.

Other members of the monarchy who are also Royal Knights or Ladies of the Order and took part in the procession were the Princess Royal, Duke of York, and the Earl of Wessex.

The Duchess of Cornwall and Countess of Wessex watched from the vantage point of the Galilee Porch at St George’s Chapel as their partners processed past.