King Charles and Queen Camilla lead royal family in annual Garter Day procession

The King and Queen led the monarchy in celebrating the ancient Order of the Garter. Credit: PA Images

The King and Queen led the monarchy in celebrating the ancient Order of the Garter in Windsor on Monday.

Ladies and Knights of the Garter processed through the grounds of Windsor Castle for the annual service commemorating the most senior rank of chivalry that can be obtained in Britain.

Charles and Camilla followed tradition and were at the back of the procession, dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes.

Other members of the order included the Prince of Wales, Princess Royal and Duke of Edinburgh.

King Charles and Queen Camilla followed tradition and were at the back of the procession, dressed in white plumed hats and velvet robes. Credit: PA Images

The King's appearance comes just two days after the Trooping the Colour ceremony where he was joined by the Princess of Wales, in her first appearance since announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer.

However Kate Middleton did not attend the annual Garter Day ceremony held on Monday 17 June.

The Garter, founded in 1348 by Edward III, is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievements.

The Garter is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievements. Credit: PA Images

Among the members of the order processing were the former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major and Baroness Amos.

The Duke of York, a member of the order, did not join the service after he stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales attending the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chape Credit: PA Images

The ceremony heralds a busy period for the royals, with the King and Queen expected at Royal Ascot in the coming days, and the following week they will host a state visit by Japan’s Emperor.

Hundreds of spectators lined the procession route with many taking hampers and camping chairs to add a summer picnic feel to the occasion.

At one point between the procession, William looked over to where the Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were watching the spectacle and grinned.

The installation of new Companions of the Order – including composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who has been made a Knight Companion – took place during the service.

Hundreds of spectators lined the procession route. Credit: PA Images

Theatre composer and impresario Lord Lloyd Webber, whose hit musicals include The Phantom Of The Opera and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, attended a private investiture in the castle’s Garter Throne Room earlier in the day.

Also invested were the Duchess of Gloucester as a Royal Lady of the Garter, as well as Lord Kakkar, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London, and Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, who have both been made Knight Companions.

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber leaves after attending the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel. Credit: PA Images

After the service, the royals took part in a traditional carriage procession back up the hill to the castle.

The carriages travelled quickly and first Charles and Camilla left by coach followed by Edward, Sophie and William together, and then Anne and her husband Sir Tim.

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