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