The Garter Procession And Service
(Windsor Castle)

Founded by King Edward III in 1348, the Most Noble Order of the Garter
is the highest and most exclusive order of knighthood in the United Kingdom,
consisting of members of the Royal Family and a limited number of
Knights Companion, who join the order at the specific behest
of the Sovereign.

The symbol of the Order is a blue "garter" with the motto
Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense, and it is thought that the garter originally
was a small strap - used as a device with which to attach items of
armour - and came to represent a symbol of binding together
in common brotherhood.

The Insignia

Over the centuries, the insignia has developed - starting with a garter,
and badge depicting St George and the Dragon. In the sixteenth century
a collar was added, with the star and broad ribbon being added
a century or so later.

The service takes place on Monday, two days after The Queen's
Birthday Parade, in June, at Windsor Castle. On this day, the Knights
of the Garter gather at Windsor Castle, where new Knights take the oath
and are invested with the insignia of the Order - Garter, Star, Riband,
Collar and Mantle.

The Garter Procession

This takes place in the 12th century Garter Throne Room then,
after lunch in the Waterloo Chamber, the Knights process through
the castle precincts to a service in St George's Chapel.

For The Household Cavalry, this is a dismounted parade - for which
the Regiment provides a dismounted Band, four dismounted Troops,
and a Staircase Party comprising 4 Officers and 16 ORs.

The Regiment lines the route from the Castle to the steps of
St George's Chapel (the steps of which are lined by the Staircase Party).
This is the only occasion when the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
parades dismounted.

On alternate years, the Bands provide the music for two
distinct functions on the day of the Garter Procession and Service
- with one Band providing a String Orchestra to entertain the Royal Family
and guests during Luncheon (dressed in Playing-Out Order), while the
other Band plays in the Lower Ward of the Castle (dressed in
gold State Dress).