Garter Day 2022

Yesterday we finally saw the return of the Order of the Garter ceremonies at Windsor, which have not taken place since 2019. I have always loved the historic roots of this event and look forward to it every year. It is not the best picture event, but we always get some good shots. It is a formal royal fashion event, so the pictures we do get are always sure to be fun.

As most of your know, yesterday was the actual investiture of the Duchess of Cornwall as a Royal Lady of the Garter. The Palace released a picture of her in her robes with the Prince of Wales and the Queen shortly before the ceremonies. The Queen did not attend the service, but was at the private lunch and the investiture itself at the castle.

Prince Andrew, who is a knight in the Order of the Garter, had originally been scheduled to attend (and walk in the procession), but he withdrew at the last minute. He was even listed in an early printed order of the service. The Guardian reported:

The decision appeared to be last-minute as Andrew’s name still appeared on one version of a printed order of service, indicating it was originally intended he would take part in the procession. Another version of the order of service, distributed to members of the public outside the chapel, omitted his name.

According to all reports, Charles and William intervened and insisted the Duke withdraw. According to Simon Perry at People:

In what royal sources describe as a "family decision," the Duke of York withdrew at the last minute following discussions led by his brother Prince Charles and Prince William. The two princes have increasingly taken the lead in decisions like this, especially over perceptions about the royal family's public image and standing are concerned.

A number of other outlets reported that Prince William threatened to withdraw from the event if Andrew were permitted to take part publicly. We have known for some years that Charles and William have had larger and larger roles in decision-making when it comes to the monarchy. It was reported many years ago that the Queen respects their input because they are the heirs—it is their inheritance and future responsibility. I think William in particular has stepped into this role more aggressively in the last few years, especially with respect to Harry and Meghan’s drama and Andrew’s scandals.

In the fashion department, it was a warm day at Windsor yesterday, and Kate opted for a blue coat dress, matching hat, and complementing accessories. Her coat has been tentatively ID’d as a custom McQueen piece, although its style bears a resemblance to the Catherine Walker she wore in Scotland last May.

That coat had a similar wide neckline and broad shoulders, but I do think the tailoring on the Garter coat/dress looks superior. There is so much I like about this Garter coat—the color, the aforementioned and exquisite tailoring, the pleats, and even the length. But I am not a huge fan of the wide neckline with the padded shoulders. To me it looks like a dress you have just put on and is hanging off the shoulders before you fully zip it up. The Catherine Walker coat above had the same issue, although again, this Garter coat pulled it off better, because it had better structure.

Kate debuted a new hat by Juliette Botterill and paired it with her G. Collins & Sons tanzanite earrings and necklace suite she has had for years.

Kate was carrying a clutch she debuted in the Caribbean (varying opinions abound on the designer) and wearing new Aquazurra heels.

All in all, this ensemble was a big success. I loved how the shoes and the clutch matched, and how they both complemented the rest of the ensemble. Even the design of the coat has grown on me a little as I scroll through the picture galleries. It was a hit!

Now we know the Cambridges are moving to Windsor this summer, I am sure that Kate is very busy prepping and packing. So I think she probably won’t go to Ascot this year, but I am still crossing my fingers and hoping for a surprise this week!