In Pictures: Royal spectacle as Queen and family attend Garter service

The Queen attends the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle (Ben Stansall/PA) Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

The chapel where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married just weeks ago was again the centre of attention, as the Queen and Knights of the Garter attended the Garter service.

The Prince of Wales returned to the chapel where his son Harry was married before the eyes of the world only a few weeks ago, this time for a grand traditional ceremony.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Lady Companion Dame Mary Fagan and Knight Companion The Viscount Brookeborough

Other royals who lent even more weight to the occasion were the Duke of Cambridge, his uncles the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, and his aunt the Princess Royal.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: The Duke of York, (left) and the Earl of Wessex
Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: The Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex

The Duke of Gloucester, Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy were among the Garter Knights in the procession, wearing blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: The Princess Royal
Order Of The Garter Credit: Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Kent

The appointment of Knights of the Garter is made without consultation of ministers as it is in the Queen’s gift, and recipients are chosen due to having held public office, contributed to national life or served the sovereign personally.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Guards of the Blues and Royals regiment and the military band

Hundreds of people gathered to watch the spectacle in the grounds of Windsor Castle in fine weather.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Guards of the Blues and Royals regiment and the military band

Ex-Conservative prime minster John Major is another member of the order.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Former prime minister Sir John Major

The Queen attended without the Duke of Edinburgh, who has effectively retired from public duties.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Order of the Garter Service 2018

The crowds were treated to the traditional carriage procession when the senior members of the royal family travelled back to the castle.

Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Order of the Garter Service 2018
Order of the Garter Service 2018 Credit: Order of the Garter Service 2018