Queen Camilla's major Royal rule break revealed – as she joins beloved Garter Day parade


Two years ago, Queen Camilla made history in more ways than one. Not only did Queen Elizabeth II release a ground-breaking statement declaring that she wished for Camilla to be the Queen Consort upon King Charles' succession, but she was also inducted into the prestigious Order of the Garter.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom and is the most senior knighthood in the British honours system which is only outranked by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.

At the time of her induction, Queen Camilla went against one of the biggest royal traditions - and has since been copied.

King Charles and Queen Camilla in traditional dress
King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared in traditional dress for the ceremony on June 17 -Credit:GETTY

When the announcement of Camilla's investment into the order was made on St George's Day, it was said that she had been chosen to be styled as a Lady of the Garter.

This was unlike other female members, such as Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra, who are styled as Royal Knight Companions of the Garter.

However, this year's service will see the Duchess of Gloucester be recognised for her decades of loyal service as she joins the likes of the King, the Queen and the Prince of Wales in the procession from St George's Chapel around the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Much like the Queen, the Duchess will be styled as a Lady of the Garter.

Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Gloucester
The Duchess will be invested as a Lady of the Garter at the service -Credit:2024 Getty Images

This is not the first major royal tradition Queen Camilla has decided to go against as she is also the first Queen not to have Ladies-in-Waiting to support her on a day-to-day basis, just like Queen Elizabeth did.

Instead, Camilla has a number of 'Companions' which include the likes of her sister, Annabel Elliot, the Marchioness of Lansdowne and her former secretary, Angela MacManus.

Queen Camilla with the Marchioness of Lansdowne (R) and her sister, Annabel Elliot
The Queen has 'Companions' instead and is pictured on the balcony with the Marchioness of Lansdowne (R) and her sister, Annabel Elliot -Credit:2023 Max Mumby/Indigo

The late Queen's group of Ladies-in-Waiting were often referred to as her 'Head Girls' and were handpicked from the most respectable aristocratic families to serve the monarch for their whole lives.

The key roles of The Queen's ladies were to help her with the day-to-day demands of being monarch, for example by putting her busy diary of official engagements together, arranging private family events and dealing with everything else in between.

Historically, those in the role did not get paid and were unable to quit or retire from the position, therefore committing to serve the Queen for her lifetime.