Princess of Wales makes stunning return to Order of the Garter parade with royals at Windsor

The Princess of Wales has joined the royal family at the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.

Catherine stood alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh to watch the procession for the first time in two years, having missed the ceremony in 2024 due to her treatment.

The event is one of the most traditional ceremonies in the royal calendar, dating back more than 700 years.

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King Charles presided over the event, wearing the traditional velvet robes and plumed hat of the Order of the Garter.

He and Queen Camilla lead the procession of Knights, also wearing velvet robes and plumed hats, through the grounds of the castle on Monday beginning a busy week for the royal family.

Royal Ascot, the biggest racing event of the year, starts on Tuesday local time and runs until Saturday, and will see the royal family take part throughout the festival.

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The Princess of Wales, who also missed Royal Ascot last year due to her diagnosis, is expected to attend at least one of the days with Prince William.

The Prince of Wales was among those at the Order of the Garter on Monday, walking in the procession down the hill from the castle's quadrangle to St George's Chapel.

He was alongside the Duke of Edinburgh while the Princess Royal was just ahead of them.

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The Duke of Kent, 89, travelled by car.

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh were driven to the Galilee Porch entrance to the chapel before the procession arrived.

Kate wore a cream Self Portrait dress and a string of pearls by Susan Caplan Vintage, the same outfit worn to recent VE Day celebrations in London. She wore a matching wide-brimmed hat by Sean Barrett.

Sophie chose a pink dress by Suzannah London and a hat by Jane Taylor.

Queen Camilla, who was made Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 2022, wore a white chiffon and lace dress by Fiona Clare under the robes.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain, with knights chosen by the sovereign in recognition of their outstanding public service and achievement.

Following the service inside the chapel, the Knights and Ladies of the Order slowly filed outside, before the King and Queen emerged to take the first of the waiting carriages back to the castle.

The King and Queen were inside the first carriage, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales who travelled together in the second carriage.

Prince William was appointed a Royal Knight of the Garter by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, in 2008. That year saw Kate attend, marking her first public appearance with the royal family before marrying Prince William in 2011.

Last year was the first Order of the Garter service that she had missed since 2018, when on maternity leave after the birth of Prince Louis.

She and Prince William were followed by Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, in the third carriage.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester followed behind, while the Duke of Kent returned to the castle by car.

Prince Andrew, who is also part of the Order, has not taken part in the public procession since 2019, after stepping back from public life.

The Duke of York is believed to have joined the King and the rest of his family for the earlier investiture in the castle's Garter Throne Room and the traditional lunch afterwards, both held behind closed doors.

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