Prince William steps out at Order of the Garter ceremony without Princess Catherine

The royals were out in force for another huge event, minus Princess Catherine, amid claims Meghan Markle has been left feeling “hurt”.

Prince William was all smiles at the Order of the Garter ceremony as Princess Catherine continued her recovery at home after her triumphant appearance at Trooping the Colour.

The royals were out in force for the annual event at St George’s Chapel, which is one of the most lavish spectacles on the monarch’s calendar.

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives to attend the Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel. Picture: AFP

Prince Edward and Prince William at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Wearing long, blue velvet robes and plumed hats, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the procession with Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh,

Princess Catherine has attended the event in recent years but stayed home this year to continue her recovery from cancer.

The Sun reports that aides have been quick to note that the 42-year-old’s appearance at Trooping the Colour — her first public event in six months — does not mark a full “comeback” to royal life but is instead part of her “journey”.

Queen Camilla and King Charles III were all smiles. Picture: Getty Images

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend the event at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Yeoman Warders stand in position in front of St George’s Chapel. Picture: Getty Images

The Order of the Garter ceremony, which honours the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in the UK has been held annually since 1948.

King Charles bestowed a new honour on Princess Catherine last April, making her the first ever Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.

While the main castle was closed to the public, people queued to get a glimpse of those attending the service at St George’s Chapel within the grounds.

Andrew Lloyd-Webber was made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter at the event, which took place ahead of the five-day racing event Royal Ascot.

It comes amid reports Meghan Markle was left “hurt” when her fellow Montecito resident Gwyneth Paltrow excluded her from an intimate dinner held at her home and appeared to take sides in the feud between the Sussexes and the Wales.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Nigeria. Picture: Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow appears to be taking sides. Picture: Getty Images

The Goop founder is the latest star to back the royals. Picture: Getty Images

Commenting on an official photo of the Princess of Wales at Trooping the Colour on Instagram, Paltrow wrote: “So happy to see you looking so happy and well.”

Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun’s Fabulous section: “Gwyneth Paltrow is the latest celebrity who seems to be taking sides in the Wales v Sussex standoff.

“Meghan is said to have based her new lifestyle project American Riviera Orchard on the actress’s own products and she admires her greatly so this will hurt.

“Gwyneth didn’t have to make any comment about Kate being at Trooping the Colour but the fact she has means she fully supports her, and like the rest of us, wants her to make a speedy recovery.”

Dampier said the latest drama came after stars such as David Beckham, who was once friendly with the Sussexes, turned their back on the pair and “very much pinned their colours to the royal mast.”

Originally published as Prince William steps out at Order of the Garter ceremony without Princess Catherine