Traditional Order of Grater Cermony

Pomp and ceremony: The Queen and Prince Philip process to St George's Chapel for the Most Noble Order of the Garter Ceremony in Windsor

Tradition: The Order of the Garter is the senior and oldest British Order of Chivalry

• Founded in 1348 by Edward III, the Garter is the senior British order of chivalry awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievement.
• Originally it served the double purpose of bringing together the sovereign and 25 senior knights who were the country's military leaders as well as establishing a new fellowship in religious worship.
• The patron saint of the Order is St George.
• The Order's emblem is a blue ribbon or garter worn by men below the left knee and by women on the left arm.
• The Garter - also incorporated in the Royal Coat of Arms - bears the famous legend "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" ("Shame on him who thinks this evil").