King Charles and Queen Camilla don lavish robes and feather hats in unusual ceremony

In a sweet nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wore a meaningful accessory at the Order of the Garter Service 2024.

The delicate cream and pastel pink Jane Taylor hat Sophie wore for the procession in Windsor today was previously worn for Trooping the Colour 2022.

This was Queen Elizabeth's last official birthday celebration before she died. The hat the Duchess picked was cream and soft pink in hue with a netted saucer shape and sinamay fabric styled into bows.

The rest of the Royal Family have departed from St Paul's Cathedral following the Order of the Garter Service.

After King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward left together by coach, followed by Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured in a carriage after the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapen had finished.

Their Majesties will now return to Windsor Castle.

King Charles is attending the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle today, a staple in the royal calendar.

But he's made a slight tweak to his wardrobe this year, as he's wearing the Sovereign's Mantle for the first time. It's a longer robe with the star of the Order sewn onto the left shoulder.

Charles didn't wear this special robe at last year's service.

Prince William was pictured speaking to Prince Edward, who is walking next to him, on their way to St George's Chapel in Windsor.

In front of them is Princess Anne, as well as other members of the Order.

Also pictured was the Duchess of Gloucester, who will today be invested as a Royal Lady of the Garter.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Windsor Castle to attend this year's Garter Day service.

Her Majesties are wearing their ceremonial velvet robes, plume hats and glistening insignia and plumed hats like all other Knights and Ladies of the Order.

The Duchess of Edinburgh looks stunning in a cream and pink ensemble at today's Garter Day service.

Sophie opted for a cream midi A-line dress, which features leaves and flowers in pink and brown hues.

She completed the look with a colour-matching hat, cream pointy heels and a cream handbag.

Members of the Household Cavalry Regiment have already marched ahead of the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle.

Hundreds of Brits have lined up the streets ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla's arrival.

Members of the Royal Family have started arriving at Windsor Castle for today's Garter Day service.

Among the first pictured were the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent and Princess Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Andrew is not expected to make an appearance at this year’s Order of the Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle, the Daily Express understands.

The Duke of York is set to be frozen out of the proceedings for a third year in a row, as King Charles and Prince William are keen to keep a lid on his public-facing appearances.

Andrew has been a Garter Knight since 2006 but as he is no longer a working member of the Royal Family the decision has been made for him to skip the grand procession.

Princess Kate is not expected to attend the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle this afternoon.

The staple royal event, which sees members of the Order of the Garter process in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, will be attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family.

But the Daily Express understands that the Princess of Wales, 42, is not expected to be among them.

King Charles is preparing to lead the second Garter Day procession of his reign at sunny Windsor Castle this afternoon.

Order of the Garter day is a staple day in the royal calendar and comes just two days after the Royal Family were out in force to celebrate the King’s official birthday at Trooping the Colour.

Today will see another fine display of pomp and pageantry as the Knights don grand velvet robes, glistening insignia and plumed hats for the hallowed ceremony. Here Express.co.uk takes a look at what the Order is and why the procession takes place.

Good afternoon from Manchester. I'm Sophia Papamavroudi and I'll be bringing you all the latest royal news on Garter Day. Please feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]