Order of the Garter, Windsor Castle

Day Three of waving Union flags! We got the train to Windsor and walked to the castle. The queue just didn't end! I applied for the free tickets back and again, didn't think we would get them. Through the gates of Windsor castle, we took up camp at our allocated sector below the Round Tower. We sat on the floor behind people on their fold up chairs. The weather forecast was awful, so after yesterday, we went prepared and in full waterproofs. Trouble was, it hardly rained, instead I got sunburnt!


We had our picnic while we waited for the start of the procession. Unfortunately, because of the weather, the procession was by car instead of the guards, bands and the Royals walking down to the chapel. We had to get a quick glimpse through car windows at the Royals and then could see them going into the chapel. We followed the service and sang along to the hymns, and then the Royals departed. We waved instead of taking pictures. Some of the Knights walked up the hill back to the Castle and we could see the full regalia of their mantles and hoods. They are such a deep navy blue, black hat with an ostrich feather and red hood. They got a very special round of applause for walking.


With only one downpour, we were slightly overdressed, but still a great day of pomp and waving the Union Flag proudly.