Princess of Wales is Radiant in a White Self Portrait Dress at the Order of the Garter Ceremony
The Princess of Wales captivated onlookers as she arrived at St George’s Chapel in Windsor for the prestigious Order of the Garter ceremony, wearing an elegant white Self Portrait dress. Her appearance was both graceful and dignified, befitting the grandeur of the occasion and adding a touch of modern glamour to one of Britain’s oldest traditions.
Hundreds of spectators had gathered in the grounds of Windsor Castle to witness the annual procession. Many attendees tried to find comfort under the blazing sun using straw hats and parasols, while some brought folding chairs and picnic baskets, prepared for a long day of royal pageantry. Ice cream vendors were kept busy as the summer heat added an extra challenge to the formal celebration.
The Order of the Garter, founded in 1348 by King Edward III, is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. It recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to public life or national service. Each year, the Sovereign appoints a limited number of new members, and the investiture is followed by a traditional procession through the castle grounds to St George’s Chapel.
This year’s ceremony included the investiture of several distinguished figures. Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, a respected former RAF officer who currently chairs NATO’s military committee, was among those installed as a Knight. He was joined by Lord Kakkar, an esteemed professor of surgery, and Lord Lloyd-Webber, the world-renowned composer of musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. Their inclusion highlights the wide range of contributions celebrated by the Order.
The Duchess of Gloucester, who had been appointed a Royal Lady Companion in the previous year, was formally invested during this ceremony as well. Other notable members of the Order include former prime ministers Sir John Major and Sir Tony Blair, along with Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former head of MI5 and the first female chancellor of the Order.
Conspicuously absent from the public procession was the Duke of York, who has not taken part in the ceremony since 2019 following controversies that led to his withdrawal from public royal duties. His absence served as a quiet reminder of the evolving standards of accountability within the royal family.
Despite such shifts, the presence of the Princess of Wales brought renewed admiration and public affection. Her fashion choice, a symbol of elegance and modernity, was praised widely by royal watchers and fashion critics alike. The pristine white dress by Self Portrait, a British label, combined tradition with contemporary style, reflecting the Princess’s role as both a royal figure and a modern woman.
As the day drew to a close, the Order of the Garter ceremony once again affirmed its status as a unique celebration of duty, service, and honor—made all the more memorable by the Princess of Wales’s radiant presence.