Why Queen Camilla Stepped Out in Garter Robes — But Princess Kate Could Only Watch From the Sidelines
Many royal fans wondered why Queen Camilla wore Garter robes while Princess Kate did not. The answer lies in a rare royal appointment that Kate has yet to receive.
This year's Order of the Garter ceremony on June 15 was a dazzling display of royal tradition. As usual, both Princess Kate and Queen Camilla made elegant appearances, albeit in very different capacities. As Kate watched the procession in a vibrant yellow tailored ensemble, Camilla wore the Order of the Garter's blue velvet robes and plumed hat. The contrast in their attire reflected a rare royal honor. Kate attended as the wife of a Knight Companion, while Camilla participated as a Royal Lady of the Garter in her own right, an honor that the Princess of Wales has yet to receive.
All eyes were on the Princess of Wales, who looked stunning in a butter yellow coat-dress and matching hat, watching the parade alongside Duchess Sophie. Her supporting appearance led many to wonder why she was not dressed in the traditional Garter robes beside Prince William in the carriage procession. For those unversed, only royals who have been appointed Knight Companions of the Order of the Garter are permitted to wear the robes and plumed hats at the event. The reigning monarch, King Charles, in this case, gives the formal approval for these appointments based on services to the Crown.
So, while Kate is a senior royal and has steadfastly served the Crown, Charles has good reason not to bestow her the honor yet. The Princess was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, announcing that she was in remission a year later. Since then, she has been slowly getting back into royal duties, including her first overseas trip to Italy last May. Meanwhile, the King made three new appointments on this year's Garter Day, which brought the total number of Knights and Lady Companions to 23 out of a maximum of 24. While Kate could've been the 24th, as the future queen consort, she may not be viewed as requiring an immediate appointment to recognize her status, with William having the option to do so once he takes the throne.
As for Camilla's rare honor as the Royal Lady of the Garter, it was the late Queen Elizabeth who appointed her on June 13, 2022, with her formal investiture taking place at the ceremony four days later. Her appointment, along with two others, was the last made by the Queen before her death in October that same year. Charles was appointed a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter in 1958, the same year he became the Prince of Wales.
