| Where: | Windsor, Berks at the Castle |
| When: | Monday in mid June |
| Time: | Admission to Castle from noon, 2 pm Chapel opens, 2.40 Procession |
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, dating back to its foundation by King Edward III in 1348, and on Garter Day the monarch hosts a lunch for the Companions and installs any new members. In the afternoon the group of twenty Companions process in their splendid velvet robes and hats with ostrich feathers from the Waterloo Chamber in the Castle to St George’s Chapel for the special Thanksgiving service; before the service, the bands of the Grenadier Guards and Household Cavalry play to the crowd assembled in the Castle precincts. The procession includes the Military Knights of Windsor, the Knights and Ladies of the Garter and the Monarch, the Yeomen of the Guard and the state trumpeters who all walk down the slope to the chapel. The whole service is broadcast to those outside on loudspeakers and afterwards a second procession forms in which the dignitaries are transported by carriage and state cars back up the hill through the grounds.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 Garter Day was on Monday 17th June- 2025 date is yet to be confirmed but will be the Monday of Royal Ascot week and is likely to be Monday 16th. You must apply to a ticket ballot for admission and can’t just turn up on the day. Tickets must be applied for between 1st January and 1st March, and are sent out to successful applicants during May (ours arrived on 20th).
Most of the crowd take folding seats with them, and you can take refreshments in with you. Bear in mind you have a long time to wait outside so dress for whatever the weather may have in store. After the notables have left, the Chapel is open to visitors.
Click here for more info and to apply for tickets: https://www.royal.uk/the-order-of-the-garter
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