William, Philip, Queen and Kate Attend Garter Day Celebrations

by Tom Sykes Jun 18, 2012 12:08 PM EDT

Highest honour Queen can bestow

146582606GC023_QUEEN_ELIZAB — A general view during the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (Gareth Cattermole / WPA Pool/ Getty Images)

Senior Royals assembled at Windsor Castle today - in glorious sunshine - for one of the barmiest and most spectacular pieces of pageantry in existence, the Order of the Garter ceremony, which was founded by Edward III in 1348, and, some say, celebrates his mistress's underwear.

70241817 — Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family walk from Windsor Castle to King George VI chapel for the Order of the Garter ceremony (WPA Pool / Getty Images)

70241650 — Sophie Rhys-Jones, Countess of Wessex, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel (WPA Pool / Getty Images)

Membership of the order is the highest honour the Queen can bestow, and is limited to just 24 members, who have to wear very silly hats indeed, as these pictures show.

70241639 — Prince William today. Membership in the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members (WPA Pool / Getty Images)

William is one of the newest members of the Order.

146582606GC013_QUEEN_ELIZAB — Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Gareth Cattermole / WPA Pool/ Getty Images)

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.