The Garter Service and Procession 2012

Get your plumes out, it's Garter Day once again! Founded in 1348, The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry in the UK. The annual Garter Service is held at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. A rare occurrence in the 18 century, George VI started its reappearance. The members of the Order meet in the state apartments of Windsor Castle, and then walk down to the chapel for the service. Then the show really starts as the members ride back in carriages back to the castle at its conclusion. 2002 was a notable year for the service, when Queen Beatrix, Queen Margrethe, King Juan Carlos and Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg all took part in the procession, as Knights or Ladies of the Garter.

 The headpiece worn is known as a Tudor Bonnet, and as the namesake suggests, was worn widely during Tudor times. Attached are the famous plumes of white ostrich feather which we now commonly associate with Garter Day. Now here's some miscellaneous photos of the Queen Mother looking adorable at Garter Day:

Okay, back to present day! The majority of the Royal Family were out in force at St. George's Chapel, either in the procession or watching from a platform.

Windsor Castle is my favourite royal setting, and it looked very fairtytale-esque today. You can probably make out the stands above the crowds, which brought a flood of coronation nostalgia back.

The Queen certainly rocked those plumes and trains and those RUBY EARRINGS, and it was wonderful to see Prince Philip back at her side. I like how HM appointed Princess Margaret's grandson, Charles Armstrong-Jones as her First Page of Honour.

I was lovely to see these colour co-ordinated royals all together. Sometimes I wonder what the relationship between the Countess of Wessex and her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cornwall is like? The Duchess of Cambridge seems to have developed a warm bond with Camilla though.

Adorable moments between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, if it were me I'd burst out in a fit of laughter.

Left to Right: The Princess Royal and Prince Edward, Princess Alexandra and Prince Edward Duke of Kent, The Princess Royal, Sir Timothy Lawrence and The Duchess of Gloucester.

Pictures: The Guardian/The Telegraph/The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor/Habsburg06 (Flickr)

The Diamond Jubilee Tour: Nottingham

In a visit to the East Midlands, the Queen, without Prince Philip was received by thousands of well-wishers just a week after her Diamond Jubilee tour. In the Duke of Edinburgh's absence, HM was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was a spectacular visit, topped of with a wonderful balcony appearance reminiscent of those at Buckingham Palace. The crowd in the packed Old Market Square below was a sight to behold.

Click for a magnificent 500-megapixel photo of Old Market Square.

The Queen wore her customary Angela Kelly outfit, whilst the Duchess of Cambridge recycled her Missoni coat and dress, which she wore to a visit with QE and the Duchess of Cornwall to Fortnum and Mason. The Duchess seems to be fitting remarkably well into royal life, and is so elegant whilst having fun at the same time. I admire the fact that she doesn't try to upstage the Queen, whilst complementing her so perfectly.

One of the main features of the day was a touching speech by the Duke of Cambridge in honour of his grandmother- "How grateful we are for the extraordinary love and devotion you have shown to the people of this country and the Commonwealth." The Duke and Duchess also showed their competitive side, seeing who could throw a foam 'javelin' the furthest. We can say the Duke won. As the Queen left for Burghley House in Stamford, the new royal couple stayed behind to walk amongst the crowd. QE also completed her obligatory royal duties, planting trees, unveiling plaques, and signing a visitor's book.

Pictures: BBC and The Daily Mail

Jubilance Part 3- The National Service of Thanksgiving, Carriage Procession and Balcony Appearance

I might as well come straight out with it, although I'm not proud of what I am going to say- not my favourite event. It lacked the pomp and splendour of recent Jubilees, and the slimming down of the family wasn't my cup of tea. So I'll start with the negatives:

No Gold State Coach!
Gah! It's my favourite carriage, and has been used at the two previous Jubilees, so why not make it a tradition and reuse it for this one? Seriously, HM arrived in a car. A CAR! And left in the modest 1902 State Landau. I yearn for those pictures of the Queen riding through narrow London streets in the magnificent gilded coach. Sigh...

Lack of Crowds
This really broke my heart and confused it as well. I'm not sure if they weren't allowed in certain areas, but some parts of the procession route were empty with no people, some with a scattering and some ten deep.

Scaled Down Royal Family

Whilst it was a symbolic sight, the mere six members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony didn't impress. I love all those huge family gatherings, where the balcony is packed with members. This appearance made it look empty and scarce, and failed to produce the magical effect seen at the Golden Jubilee. I don't know, maybe it was just the amazing canopy for the Golden Jubilee. And did anyone else notice the clear 'class' separation between Senior and Extended members of the family? Maybe it's a sign of things to come. 

Now, enough of my ramblings, time to focus on the positive aspects of the day!

As the Queen left Buckingham Palace, without Prince Philip, the crowds started cheering wildly. I was impressed with Lady Farnham's (her lady-in-waiting) filling-in, and she did it with subtle grace. It was magical as HM arrived at St. Paul's, as cheers of 'God Save the Queen' were heard from the crowd. The fanfares signalled her arrival and then it was time to get things underway. A main feature of the service was the music, and I must say, I LOVE royal music. The processional, "Te Deum in G" was magnificent, and the hymns took my breath away. "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer was particularly resounding- I didn't expect the trumpet start and the climax at the end. 

The Queen wore and mint green embroidered Angela Kelly outfit, studded with a countless array of Swarovski crystals. I loved the chiffon drape flowing down her back- a lovely addition. The main highlight was the Cullian III and IV brooch she wore- shining like a beacon, and fitting for the Diamond Jubilee. The Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely radiant in another Alexander McQueen outfit- very elegant indeed! Read orderofsplendor's very insightful glance into it's history. 

After the service, the Queen was transported to Mansion House to attend a short reception, whilst other members of the family gathered at Guildhall. Both parties then combined at Westminster Hall for a luncheon, complete with fanfares and beautiful music. Then the day really started to shine, with a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. Yay! Days of old! It was very interesting to see the Duchess of Cornwall ride next to the Queen, suggesting that they are growing closer.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, The Princess Royal, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward, The Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor, Zara Philips

Prince and Princess Michael, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, The Duchess of Gloucester

As the condensed  Royal Family gathered on the palace balcony, it was great to see the full love and adoration of the crowd shine through. The packed mall flooded me with nostalgia, and the Feu de Joie (rifle salute) was a lot of fun. A flypast, complete with a Red Arrows display was also conducted. My favourite moment was the three cheers for the Queen, when the crowd erupted in loud 'hoorays!' 

Overall, a fabulous day to wrap up the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and some rather interesting signs for the future!

Pictures: Daily Mail & The Telegraph