Following the King’s decisive move to strip his brother of all remaining titles—including his status as a prince—Andrew’s Garter appointment was officially annulled on October 30, 2025. His banner was promptly torn down from the chapel walls.
“Since Andrew is no longer a member of the Order, it is logical that he is not attending any element of the day,” a royal source firmly noted. Andrew is currently lying low in Norfolk while authorities investigate sweeping allegations of misconduct in public office—claims the former prince vehemently denies.
Princess Kate Steals the Show in Bespoke British Luxury
As the grand procession made its way down Castle Hill, non-member royal ladies watched proudly from the chapel’s Galilee Porch. The Princess of Wales turned heads in a spectacular lemon coat dress custom-crafted by London designer Patrick McDowell—the same visionary she honored with the Queen Elizabeth Award for Design last year.
The exquisite, sustainable fabric was woven exclusively for Her Royal Highness by the historic Stephen Walters & Sons mill in Suffolk. Kate paired the ensemble with a matching Jane Taylor hat, trimmed with the very same Suffolk fabric, and delicate earrings by Robinson & Pelham.
A picture of poise, the Princess was seen smiling and waving warmly at the knights, gazing affectionately at her husband, Prince William, and offering a flawless, elegant curtsy to her father-in-law, the King.
Ancient Pageantry and High-Profile Political Inductions
Resplendent in sweeping velvet robes, intricate insignias, and caps topped with cascading ostrich feathers, the Garter Knights marched past crowds of loyal fans. The royal party followed a rhythmic parade led by the Military Knights of Windsor and the Heralds, backed by a traditional detachment of The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard. While the 90-year-old Duke of Kent and Lady Mary Peters attended the service, they opted to skip the physically grueling walk down the hill.
“Honi soit qui mal y pense” — Shamed be the person who thinks evil of it.
This year’s service commenced with the formal installation of three heavyweights of British public life into their respective stalls, following an intimate investiture ceremony in the Garter Throne Room:
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The Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield – Renowned journalist, academic, and historian.
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Lord O’Donnell, GCB – Former Cabinet Secretary and esteemed Head of the Civil Service.
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The Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon – Distinguished former Lord Chief Justice.
Other notable modern knights in attendance included former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, former Conservative Party chairman Lord Patten, and trailblazing Labour Peer Baroness Amos.
Following a choral recitation of the Lord’s Prayer—during which Queen Camilla looked radiant in a white chiffon evening dress by Fiona Clare tucked beneath her heavy velvet Garter robes—the royal party departed St George’s Chapel by horse-drawn carriages, returning to the sanctuary of Windsor Castle.