Garter Day

Garter Day. It is the annual ceremonial occasion for the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior Order of chivalry in the British honours system. The day centers on a grand procession and service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where new members are installed and the order's companions celebrate its traditions. Founded in the medieval period, the event remains a significant fixture in the royal calendar, embodying centuries of pageantry and heraldic custom.

History and origins

The observance finds its roots in the foundation of the order itself by King Edward III in 1348, during the height of the Hundred Years' War. The legendary story of the Countess of Salisbury losing her garter, which inspired the order's motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense", is intrinsically linked to its early mystique. Initially, the order was deeply connected to the ideals of Arthurian legend and the code of chivalry, with its patron saint being Saint George. The first formal ceremonies were held at St George's Chapel, which was subsequently rebuilt by kings Edward IV and Henry VII to serve as the order's spiritual home. The tradition of an annual gathering was solidified under the Tudor dynasty, particularly during the reign of Henry VIII, and has continued with few interruptions through the reigns of monarchs like Elizabeth I, Charles I, and Victoria.

Ceremonial proceedings

The day's events commence within the State Apartments of Windsor Castle, where the sovereign and the knights assemble. A grand procession, featuring the Military Knights of Windsor and members of the Household Cavalry, then winds its way through the Upper Ward of the castle to the chapel. The Garter Principal King of Arms and other officers of the College of Arms play a prominent role in directing the ceremony. During the service, new members are installed into their stalls, which are marked by elaborate heraldic banners and carved stall plates. The proceedings include the singing of the Garter hymn and a special collect, maintaining a format that has been largely consistent since the Restoration.

The Order of the Garter

The order is a distinct body of which the reigning monarch is the sovereign. Membership is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four living Knights Companion or Ladies Companion. Appointments are made personally by the sovereign without ministerial advice, often recognizing significant public service, such as that of former Prime Ministers like Sir Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher. Supernumerary members, known as Royal Knights, include figures like Anne, Princess Royal. The order's governance involves several key officers, including the Prelate (traditionally the Bishop of Winchester) and the Chancellor.

Attire and insignia

The ceremonial dress is spectacularly anachronistic, centered on the heavy blue velvet mantle lined with white taffeta and bearing the order's star. Over this is worn the elaborate collar, made of gold and featuring knots and enamelled Tudor roses, from which the principal emblem, the "George", is suspended. For lesser occasions, knights wear the simpler lesser George. The star, worn on the left breast, typically depicts the Cross of St George surrounded by the garter. The iconic garter itself, bearing the order's motto in gold letters, is worn on the left leg by knights and on the left arm by ladies.

Modern observance

Today, the event remains a major spectacle of state, often attended by foreign dignitaries and broadcast to the public. While the core rituals are preserved, practical adjustments have been made; for instance, the procession now occurs in the afternoon. Recent installations have included prominent figures from various fields, such as former Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland and senior military officers. The day reinforces the ongoing relevance of the Crown and its ancient institutions within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom, providing a direct link to the nation's medieval past amidst the modern era.

Category:Order of the Garter Category:British royal ceremonies Category:Summer events in the United Kingdom Category:June events