Royals celebrate centuries of Arthurian tradition in Windsor with historic costumes and medieval rituals
On June 15, 2026, Prince William, heir to the British throne, attended the annual Order of the Garter ceremony. The event took place in the historic St. George’s Chapel, located in the majestic Windsor Castle, in England.
Last Monday morning, the ancient fortress of Windsor hosted one of the most revered rituals in the United Kingdom, known as Garter Day. Both King Charles III, the reigning monarch, and his eldest son, Prince William, paraded in sumptuous blue velvet robes and Tudor-style hats, adorned with voluminous white ostrich plumes.
The celebration, held annually, pays tribute to the Order of the Garter, which represents the highest distinction in British chivalry. Its rites have been faithfully maintained since the 14th century, connecting the current monarchy to a distant and grand past.
Influence of Arthurian legends on royal chivalry
The pomp of this ceremony has its roots deeply intertwined with the mythical narratives of King Arthur. King Edward III himself, according to information on the royal family’s official portal, was inspired by the tales of Arthur and the legendary Knights of the Round Table to found his own group of knights in 1348.
The costumes used in the ceremony are a reflection of this ancient medieval heritage, highlighting the black velvet hat, which features ostrich and black heron feathers as ornaments.
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Participation of family members and support of tradition
Despite not formally joining the Order, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, were present to honor their husbands. Kate was seen smiling and waving as she followed the procession heading to St George’s Chapel.
In addition to the direct members of the family, other names such as Princess Anne and Prince Edward also participated in the solemn walk that crossed the castle gardens.
The evolution of the Order towards the recognition of civil merits
The Order of the Garter went from being a circle restricted to the aristocracy to becoming a group that honors public service, symbolizing the monarchy’s ability to adapt its centuries-old traditions. Currently, the Order is made up of 24 knights and ladies, as well as members of the royal family itself and monarchs from other nations.
This year’s edition of the event took place just two days after the monarch’s traditional birthday parade, Trooping the Color, ending a week of intense historical activities for the King and his family.
