Members of the British royal family and distinguished guests gathered today at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, for the annual Garter Service. This service, which celebrates The Order of the Garter (the highest order of chivalry and one of the most prestigious honours in the United Kingdom awarded at the Sovereign’s pleasure as a personal gift) dates back to 1348 and remains a highlight on the royal calendar each year. Current members include the King and Queen, Prince of Wales, Princess Royal, Duke of Edinburgh, and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who all attended in Garter robes with the Order’s distinctive black velvet hat with ostrich feather plume.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh repeated a hat described by its milliner as, “A bespoke hand dyed, two tone style disc, trimmed with bows.” The pink window pane sinamay brim extension on this saucer gives such lightness and lift to the design, as does its pairing with this floral dress.
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Designer: Bespoke “Artemese” design by Jane Taylor. Zimmerman dress.
Previously Worn: May 3, 2023; June 2, 2022
The Duchess of Gloucester became a Garter member today and her children were on hand for the service. Lady Davina wore a deep blue velvet headband.
Lady Rose Gilman repeated a red sinamay button percher with feather trim.
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Previously Worn: May 18, 2019; June 17, 2017
The Duchess of Gloucester became a Garter member today and her children were on hand for the service. Lady Davina wore a deep blue velvet headband.
Thoughts?
Images from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
Great show of pomp and pageantry today! Thanks for the video link, Chuck. Sophie’s hat is excellent, and it is paired much better with today’s dress. The gingham pink dress is nice, but the floral dress is wonderful.
Thanks for this post. Garter Day always seems so magical. I’m so happy for The Duchess of Gloucester. She looked so happy. I hope this means we’ll see Sophie among the group one day. Speaking of Sophie, I loved her ensemble. The hat was beautiful and had much visual interest without competing with the floral dress.
Question: does Camilla’s feather seem bigger than the king’s? Is that because it’s a newer hat or a different style?
Royal Family Channel on YouTube has a LONG stream of the exterior shots of the day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-to68P8b3jM First time I’ve ever seen such a long video of the day.
Of note – HM The King wore a new Sovereign’s mantle. You can distinguish it by the Garter star on his left breast as well as the length of the mantle, being bourn by two page boys.
Also of note – in the video you will see the Gloucester’s three children with many scenes of the two daughters – I thought they were twins. So much so I went to Wikipedia to check!
Hat related – always sort of funny to see how the various knights and ladies deal with those medieval hats. You can tell they are a bit wonky to wear but oh, so fabulous! And also hat related, three cheers for Sir Timothy for wearing his lovely silk topper! I saw a few top hats on the men but Sir Tim was the only one within the Royal Family.
Thanks for sharing the stream, Chuck. It’s brilliant.