King Charles led his first Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle on Monday, June 19, to celebrate the oldest Order of Chivalry in the country.
The King was joined by senior members of the Royal Family and Knights Companions and officers of the Order for the annual ceremony, all donning their grand velvet robes, insignia and plumed hats for the occasion.
However, Kate, the Princess of Wales was forced to watch from the sidelines as she has not yet been installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter. The honour is traditionally reserved for royals born into the Firm but there is a precedent for the spouse of the monarch and heir to be installed.
Queen Camilla was awarded the honour by Queen Elizabeth II last year and some have called for Kate, the future Queen, to be appointed to the prestigious order.
Prince Phillip was appointed as a Knight of the Order of the Garter a year after his wedding to Princess Elizabeth, while the Queen Mother was appointed just days after her husband King George VI succeeded the throne.
READ MORE: Kate’s exclusion from Order of the Garter must end – King needs to promote her
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The monarch is able to appoint Knights and Ladies of the Garter without consulting ministers and recipients include those who have held public office, contributed to national life or served the Sovereign personally.
There is a limit of 24 members but royals do not count towards this total and there are no further restrictions on numbers for members of the Firm.
So what do YOU think? Should Kate be installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
