King Charles attended the annual Garter Day service at Windsor Castle today, a staple in the royal calendar. 

Dressed in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, Charles and Camilla led the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Garter in a grand procession down the hill from the Berkshire castle’s State Apartments to St George’s Chapel.

The traditional celebration commemorates the ancient Order of the Garter – the country’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry still in existence.

But he’s made a slight tweak to his wardrobe this year, as he’s wearing the Sovereign’s Mantle for the first time. It’s a longer robe, lined with white satin and with the star of the Order sewn onto the left shoulder.

Charles didn’t wear this special robe at last year’s service.

At the time, it was reported that he didn’t wish for pageboys to carry the longer train, however, it seems that the plans changed this year.

Last year, for his first Order of the Garter Day service as monarch, Charles wore a shorter robe which featured just the badge of the order embroidered on the left.

The same style of robe is worn by all other Knights and Ladies of the Order.

The late Queen Elizabeth wore her Sovereign Mantle every year for the historic service.

It was supplied by the royal robe makers, Ede and Ravenscroft, in 1947.

Today’s service saw the installation of new Companions of the Order – including composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber who has been made a Knight Companion.

Also invested was the Duchess of Gloucester as a Royal Lady of the Garter, as well as Lord Kakkar, emeritus professor of surgery at University College London and Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, who have both been made Knight Companions.

Founded in 1348 by Edward III, the Garter is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievement.