The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh executed the perfect double curtsy as they attended Garter Day at Windsor Castle on Monday.
Princess Kate and Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, curtsied as King Charles and Queen Camilla walked by.
The Princess of Wales delighted onlookers in her elegant outfit, which consisted of a midi-length butter-yellow coat dress.
The stylish ensemble featured a button-down front, oversized statement pockets and subtle embossed detail, which was visible as the style caught the light.
Kate also wore a broader hat and accessorised with her wedding earrings, which were designed by Robinson Pelham.
Meanwhile, Sophie looked radiant as ever in a floral, long-sleeved dress from Suzannah London. Known as the ‘Gabriella’, the design featured a striking floral print and was crafted in a beautiful printed Italian silk crepe.
Why do royals bow and curtsy?
Members of the Royal family bow or curtsy for the reigning King and Queen out of respect and an acknowledgement of their sovereign status.
In May 2023, Kate gave her first curtsy to father-in-law King Charles following his coronation, showing her sign of respect to the newly-crowned monarch as he walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey wearing St Edward’s Crown
Kate’s sister-in-law Meghan Markle previously recalled how she had to perfect the art of curtsying when she met the late Elizabeth II for the first time.
“Right in front of the house we practised and ran in,” she said. “Fergie ran out and said, ‘Do you know how to curtsy?’ Apparently, I did a very deep curtsy, I don’t remember it, and then we sat there, and we chatted.”
What is Garter Day?
Garter Day is one of the most significant events in the royal calendar.
It is an annual ceremonial event associated with the Order of the Garter, the highest and oldest order of chivalry in the British honours system.
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Membership in the Order is limited and granted personally by the monarch. Typically, it is given to senior members of the royal family and members of the public who have made exceptional contributions to public life.
Several foreign royals have also been added to the Order including King Olav V of Norway, King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden and Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Order of the Garter, of which Prince William became a knight in 2008, is the annual June lunch at Windsor Castle, where the knights gather wearing their traditional velvet robes and Tudor bonnets.
The Garter Day service typically sees members of the royal family walk in procession to St George’s Chapel. After the service, they depart by carriages for their return journey to Windsor Castle.
English