The Royals were out in force today as King Charles III marked his first Order of the Garter as reigning monarch.

The King and Queen waved to the crowds which lined the procession route as they made their way to St George’s Chapel.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, recognising the work of a particular individual who has contributed in a particular way to national life or to the monarch.

Thousands of people stood outside the castle to witness the monarchs arrive as they made their way to St Georges Chapel with the Procession.

Today’s (19/6) ceremony marked the installation of two new members in front of the working members of the Royal family and fellow members of the order.

Chris Patten, the final governor of Hong Kong, and former Labour minister Catherine Ashton were appointed by the King.

The excited crowds were present from all over the world to witness the first big event after the King’s coronation and the first Order of the Garter since Queen Elizabeth passed away.

Samantha Toomes, 53, from Ripon, North Yorkshire, said: “It’s the first time we’ve been here since the Queen passed away, and I did feel quite sad this morning.

“Last year we came hoping to see her.”

The married sales director and mother-of-four added: “We do pomp really well in this country.

“It’s just amazing to watch the ceremony take place – it’s part of our great tradition. To be part of that is very special.”

The Right Honourable the Baroness Ashton of Upholland is a former European – diplomat who served as Parliamentary under-secretary of state in the department of education and the ministry of justice between 1999 and 2007. She was installed today as Lady Companion of the most Noble Order of the Garter.

The Right Honourable the Lord Patten of Barnes was installed as Knight Companion of the most Noble Order of the Garter. 

He was chairman of the BBC Trust between 2011 and 2014 and was elected chancellor of Oxford University in 2003.

Among the Royals that attended the ceremony included the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.

The Queen’s designer of choice for today’s ceremony was Bruce Oldfield. The stunning Bruce Oldfield white gown could be seen under the ceremonial Order of the Garter gown as she entered and exited the chapel.

As the Princess of Wales emerged from the chapel following the ceremony, she was seen wearing the same Alessandra Rich dress that she donned during Royal Ascot in 2022 as well as an elegant Phillip Tracy Hat.