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Princess Catherine dazzles at historic occasion for royal family

Princess Catherine has stepped out in style during a monumental occasion for her father-in-law, King Charles, and husband, Prince William.

The Prince and Princess of Wales. Picture: AFP
The Prince and Princess of Wales. Picture: AFP

Princess Catherine dazzled in polka dots as she supported Prince William at King Charles’ first historic Order of the Garter procession.

The Princess of Wales watched on as the future king made his debut as the Prince of Wales at the Order of the Garter ceremony and procession at Windsor Castle.

Princess Catherine watched as Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family donned ornate blue robes and hats featuring an ostrich plume at the prestigious event dating back centuries.

Princess Catherine and Prince William attend the Order of the Garter Ceremony in Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP
Princess Catherine and Prince William attend the Order of the Garter Ceremony in Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP
King Charles, with Queen Camilla, made his first appearance at the service as monarch. Picture: Getty Images
King Charles, with Queen Camilla, made his first appearance at the service as monarch. Picture: Getty Images

But Prince Andrew did not attend, after he was banned from royal events because of his connection to the dead paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein.

According to a report in The Sun, the 41-year-old princess donned a pair of Collingwood drop pear earrings gifted to her from Princess Diana’s collection.

The Prince and Princess of Wales talk with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh after the service. Picture: AFP
The Prince and Princess of Wales talk with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh after the service. Picture: AFP
The royal couple wave to fans. Picture: AFP
The royal couple wave to fans. Picture: AFP

She also wore a high neck black and white polka dot midi dress by British designers Alessandra Rich, and a matching hat by Philip Treacy.

She chatted animatedly with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh as they watched their husbands Prince William and Edward.

The princess was resplendent in polka dots. Picture: Getty Images
The princess was resplendent in polka dots. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Camilla arrived with King Charles and could be seen grabbing her hat as the wind whipped up around her.

The Order of the Garter, a 700-year-old ceremony renowned for its pomp and pageantry, recognises great public service.

It sees royals don grand velvet robes and plumed hats for a procession from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel for a private service.

The royal couple received a rapturous reception. Picture: Getty Images
The royal couple received a rapturous reception. Picture: Getty Images

New knights will be invested and a lunch will be served in the castle’s Waterloo chamber.

The order is limited to 24 Knights or Ladies Companion.

Those given the honour have held public office, contributed to national life or personally served sovereign.

Members of the Order at the event included former British prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major.

Prince William made his first appearance as Prince of Wales at the service. Picture: Getty Images
Prince William made his first appearance as Prince of Wales at the service. Picture: Getty Images

Some 800 guests were invited inside the chapel and 2900 members of the public who won ballot tickets watched from outside.

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew is allegedly refusing to leave his Royal Lodge home during renovations – in case he “never gets back in”.

The King and Queen at the service. The Order of the Garter is a 700-year-old tradition which recognises great public service. Picture: Getty Images
The King and Queen at the service. The Order of the Garter is a 700-year-old tradition which recognises great public service. Picture: Getty Images

The royal, who no longer has official duties, shares the sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor with just his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

King Charles is said to be keen for Andrew, who was given Royal Lodge on a long-term lease by the Queen Mother, to leave the $56 million-dollar home as part of plans to scale down the monarchy.

The King and Queen. Picture: Getty Images
The King and Queen. Picture: Getty Images
The Wales’ ride to the service. Picture: AFP
The Wales’ ride to the service. Picture: AFP

But the Duke of York has forked out $13 million of his own money for roof repairs – and is allegedly refusing to move out for them.

According to reports, Prince Andrew cannot live in the property for much longer – as it has a serious damp problem and needs a new roof.

“It’s become farcical. Andrew has roof repairs scheduled later this summer which will take several months to complete,” a source reportedly told the Daily Mail.

“He has been advised that staying in the house during those renovations could prove problematic. But he is reluctant to leave.”

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/princess-catherine-dazzles-at-historic-occasion-for-royal-family/news-story/53c0b21031ab532d410d46b67484f1c9