Queen Elizabeth II will not be carrying out the annual service for the Order of the Garter this year, owing to a schedule conflict. It’s the first time the important event, which takes place at Windsor Castle every June, has been cancelled since 1984.
The engagement typically sees Her Majesty lead plumed knights, including her grandson Prince William.
A statement from Buckingham Palace explained that the Queen will instead attend the State Opening of Parliament to show her “support of the parliamentary and constitutional process.”
Her Majesty is pictured alongside her grandson, Prince William, at the Order of the Garter.
The Queen travels with her son, Prince Charles, and his wife, Duchess Camilla.
“As a result, the annual service for the Order of the Garter, which had been due to take place on 19th June, has been cancelled. Knights of the Garter and others due to attend have been informed.”
The statement concluded: “Additionally, owing to the revised calendar, the State Opening of Parliament will take place with reduced ceremonial elements.”
That means the 91-year-old monarch will travel to Parliament by car (rather than horse-drawn carriage, as she does most years with husband Prince Philip), and it’s expected she will wear a day dress in place of her traditional ceremonial robes.
Additionally, the Imperial State Crown will not adorn Her Majesty’s head. The massive nearly-two-kilogram crown, which features a 317-carat diamond, will instead be carried by an officer of state along with the Sword of State and Cap of Maintenance.
Similarly, the Duke of Edinburgh will sport dressed-down attire as he accompanies the Queen, swapping full naval garb for a simple morning coat.
The Queen will not wear her famously-heavy Imperial State Crown.
The changes are reportedly due to timing, with the Trooping of the Colour set to take place on June 17 just two days before the State Opening of Parliament. The proximity of the two major events would, it’s claimed, leave too little time for adequate rehearsal.
However, the announcement has inevitably led royal watchers to speculate that the Queen’s age and health may also be a contributing factor.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte help their Gan-Gan celebrate her 90th birthday for the Trooping of the Colour.
Duchess Catherine cradled young Charlotte while George charmed the crowds at last years event.
The Cambridges undoubtedly stole the show!
It certainly is a busy time of year for the British Royal Family.
Prince William, Prince Harry and Duchess Catherine recently attended the London Marathon 2017 to cheer on runners and sound the klaxon that set some 40,000 entrants on their 26-mile journey.
The golden royal trio were also charged with handing out much-needed refreshments to the runners as they watched on from the sidelines.
Runners couldn’t believe their eyes when they clocked the young royals who also champion the marathon’s official charity, Heads Together.
