Experience the pomp and pageanty of Garter Day in Windsor

Garter Day, Windsor Castle, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Each year, it is celebrated with a procession and service in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The history of the Order of the Garter

In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he created his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter.  Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds, in recognition for their public service.

Garter Day, Windsor Castle, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor

The Order of the Garter today

Today, the Order includes The King, who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior members of the Royal Family and twenty four knights, chosen in recognition of their work.  Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally. These have included Marshal of the RAF, Lord Stirrup, and former Prime Ministers Sir John Major and Sir Winston Churchill.

The annual Garter Day procession in June

The annual Garter Day procession, where The King and the Knights process in grand velvet robes, glistening insignia and plumed hats, is one of the most traditional ceremonies in the Royal calendar.  Garter Day is the Monday of Royal Ascot week.  In 2025, it will take place on Monday 16 June.

Garter Day, Windsor Castle, image Nicola Bell @VisitWindsor

How to apply for tickets to watch the Garter Day procession

A limited number of tickets are available for members of the public to watch the procession to St George's Chapel from inside the precincts of Windsor Castle. Applicants can request up to four tickets each.

Applications must be sent between 1 January and 1 March each year by sending an email to GarterDay@royal.uk stating each person's full name and postal address.  Please indicate on your application if anyone in your party is a wheelchair user.

Ticket holders must be aged six years or above and there is a maximum of four tickets per application.

Discover more

Find out more information about the Order of the Garter, Garter Day and ticket applications.