The Order of the Garter is considered the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Created over 700 years ago by King Edward III, the Order was inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Now, seven centuries on, King Charles will lead the Order out for the annual ceremony that brings together all its members. And as he does so, he’ll wear a dramatic mantle, or cloak, steeped in history.
Garter Day is one of the most colourful days of the royal calendar, thanks to the regalia the Knights of the Garter wear. Donning plumed hats, regalia and deep blue velvet mantles, the knights process through the grounds at Windsor Castle to Saint George’s Chapel, the Order’s spiritual home.
The deep blue mantles, or robes, are the basis for the Order’s outfit. Though the colour of the robe has changed through the centuries, it has always been a fixture of the regalia. Today, the floor-length mantle is a deep blue velvet and made by robemaking company, Ede & Ravenscroft.
Ede & Ravenscroft has been making mantles for the Order of the Garter and the Royal Family since the 17th century.
The mantle is lined with white taffeta and secured with blue and gold cords. Sewn on the left shoulder is the shield of Saint George’s Cross encircled with by the garter. All the knights and ladies of the Order will wear it. Prince William will be at the front of the Garter ceremony parade, wearing the mantle.
On top of the mantle, a gold collar is worn. Secured with white ribbons on the shoulders, the collar is made of gold heraldic knots and medallions that are roses surrounded by the garter. The Great George pendant is attached to the collar and depicts Saint George slaying a dragon.
The mantle is a familiar sight at this ceremony and it got an even bigger spotlight just three years ago when it was worn by several members of the Royal Family at the Coronation. Among them were the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
Today the 24 Knights of the Garter are men and women chosen for their contributions to society. The Sovereign personally chooses the members of the Order.
The patron saint of the Order is Saint George and its motto is once again steeped in history. It reads ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense’ and it means ‘Shame Be to He Who Thinks Evil of It’. Legend says that it was inspired by an event at a dance where Edward III, founder of the Order, stopped to pick up the garter of a lady who had been dancing nearby. As courtiers began to whisper, he told them ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense’. The words still echo through history today.
