From the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, to Trooping the Colour, the Royal Family’s calendar has been packed to the brim with colourful celebrations.
And on Monday June 18th, fans were treated to another resplendent display of the royal family’s pomp and pageantry at their annual Order of the Garter Service at Windsor Castle.
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Leading the charge was Queen Elizabeth, 92, who was joined by senior members of her family including Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie of Wessex.
The engagement typically sees Her Majesty lead the plumed knights through an historical service.
Prince Charles and Prince William and the rest of the royal Knights looked dapper in all their finery of velvet coats and ostrich-plummed hats.
Her Majesty at the 2018 Order of the Garter service.
Prince Charles was joined by his son, Prince William.
Duchess Camilla opted for a white and black look.
But all eyes were on Queen Elizabeth, who is the head sovereign of the order, who stunned in her regal robes, dazzling insignia, a white gown and feathered hat.
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the ruler’s surprising choice in footwear.
Doing away with her trusted black Anello & Davide leather shoes, which she has worn for the better part of five decades, Her Majesty instead finished off her ensemble with a pair of sparkling silver high heels.
The 92-year-old opted for a pair of sparkling silver heels.
Her shiny shoes matched her silver bag.
We just love Queen Elizabeth’s surprising fashion choice.
And if we had our own ostrich-plummed hat, we’d be doffing it her way in honour of her chic style choice!
Looking back on past Order of the Garter events and it appears The Queen prefers to wear these shoes for the big day, perhaps because the silver compliments the rest of her regal garb so nicely.
Notably absent from the day was Prince Philip, who retired from royal duties last May, Duchess Catherine, who is still on maternity leave after the birth of Prince Louis, and of course Prince Harry and his new wife, The Duchess of Sussex.
A right royal promotion! This year, Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles rode in The Queen’s carriage.
Prince Charles chats to his uncle, Prince Andrew.
William’s wife, The Duchess of Cambridge, was absent from the event as she is still on maternity leave.
In a significant moment, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were invited to ride in The Queen’s carriage for the official route between the castle and St George’s Chapel.
It’s a big step-up from the couple’s previous role, in which they’d follow the Queen in their own separate carriage.
It’s yet another clear move which shows The Queen is preparing her son for his role as the future King of England.
What is Order of the Garter?
The Order of the Garter is one of the oldest and most sacred days in the Queen’s calendar.
It is held every June and according to the Royal Family’s website is a “a grand procession of the knights takes place at Windsor Castle, accompanied by a marching band and Officers of the Order, all in grand ceremonial dress.”
“The day begins with The Queen formally investing any new Companions with the Order’s insignia in the Throne Room of the Castle. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain the members and officers at a lunch, and then all process on foot to a service in St. George’s Chapel.”
“There is a short service where any new Companions are installed. The Sovereign and other members of the Order then return to the Upper Ward of the castle in carriages and cars.”
The father-son duo looked dapper in their regal robes.
