Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to attend Royal Garter

Jun 19, 2006, 15:26 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her children will today (19.06.06) join the Royal Garter - a traditional knighting procession.

In accordance with the Queen's recent announcement, Duke of York, Prince Andrew, and Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, will be made Royal Knights during the event.

According to Britain's The Daily Telegraph newspaper, this is the first time all of Elizabeth II's children are to be involved in the procession at St George's Chapel, in Windsor Castle.

The lavish ceremony - founded in 1348 by Britain's King Edward III - is thought to be based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

This is the most ancient and exclusive title a Sovereign can grant - as there can only be 24 knights at any one time.

Traditionally, each knight is given a blue velvet mantle with a red hood and the Garter shield, with collars made of gold knots and red roses.

New members can buy a robe for £4,500 or wear a robe that belonged to a family member.

According to reports, Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex have chosen to wear a new mantle for today's ceremony.

Each knight is also presented with a sparkling Garter Star and a blue riband with a smaller badge.

The garter itself is dark blue for men and pale blue, with a buckle, for Ladies.

Traditionally, it is tied around the Knight's left calf during the ceremony, while Ladies wear theirs around their left arm.

It is believed the garter was chosen as the Order's emblem because it represented the strap used to attach the knight's sword in the 14th century.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International