Every June, Windsor hosts one of the grandest events in the royal calendar — Garter Day, when the King and the Knights of the Order of the Garter process from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel in full ceremonial dress. It’s the largest-scale version of the pageantry Windsor is famous for, and free public tickets are available if you apply in good time.
What Happens on Garter Day
Garter Day is the day each year when new Knights and Ladies are formally invested into the Order of the Garter — Britain’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry, established by King Edward III around 700 years ago. The King hosts a lunch for members and officers of the Order, after which the King, senior members of the Royal Family, and the Knights process from the Castle to St George’s Chapel in velvet robes and plumed hats for a short service, before returning to the Upper Ward by horse-drawn carriage. Garter Day always falls on the Monday of Royal Ascot week, in mid-June.
How to Get Tickets
Members of the public can apply for a limited number of free tickets to watch the procession from inside the Castle precincts, along St George’s Hill. Applications are usually accepted between 1 January and 1 March each year by email to GarterDay@royal.uk — check the Royal Family’s official Order of the Garter page for the exact dates and process each year, as these are set annually.
The whole process begins on St George’s Day (23 April), when it’s announced whether there are vacancies in the Order — traditionally 24 Knights and Ladies Companion, alongside senior Royals and the Sovereign. Notable current and recent Knights have included former Prime Minister Sir John Major and Mervyn King, the former Governor of the Bank of England.
A Quieter Alternative
If you can’t get tickets, or you’re visiting Windsor at another time of year, the regular Changing of the Guard ceremony runs several times a week year-round and is free to watch from Windsor High Street — a smaller-scale taste of the same tradition.
Staying in Windsor for Garter Day or Royal Ascot week? Our short-let apartments put you within walking distance of the Castle and the whole procession route.
