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LONG TO RAIN OVER US

William and Kate join the Queen in the drizzle for the annual Garter Day parade

Despite the miserable weather, hundreds of well-wishers gathered on the streets to catch a glimpse of the royals

THE Queen was joined by senior members of the royal family during her appearance at the drizzly Garter service today.

Accompanied by Prince Philip, the monarch arrived in a chauffeur-driven car after the traditional procession of carriages through the grounds of Windosr Castle was cancelled due to wet weather.

Kate dazzled in a red dress she wore on a trip to Canada in 2011
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Kate dazzled in a red dress she wore on a trip to Canada in 2011Credit: Reuters

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also in attendance, as were Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, and Prince Andrew.

Camilla opted for a champagne gold silk dress and champagne and green embroidered coat by Anna Valentine.

William arrived dressed in his finery, appropriate for members of the Knights and Ladies
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William arrived dressed in his finery, appropriate for members of the Knights and LadiesCredit: PA:Press Association
The Countess of Wessex opted for an elegant floral dress for the occasion. Her husband, Prince Edward, also attended
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The Countess of Wessex opted for an elegant floral dress for the occasion. Her husband, Prince Edward, also attendedCredit: PA:Press Association

Despite the miserable weather, hundreds of well-wishers gathered on the streets to catch a glimpse of the royals.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago.

Knights of the Garter are chosen by the Queen to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.

Current members include former Prime Ministers Sir John Major and Lord Salisbury.

The Garter service takes place in St George's Chapel at Windsor following a private lunch in the castle.

Current member Sir John Major and his wife Norma were also in attendance
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Current member Sir John Major and his wife Norma were also in attendanceCredit: PA:Press Association
Prince Charles arrived in a car with his son William
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Prince Charles arrived in a car with his son WilliamCredit: AP:Associated Press

Following that, there is a short service in which new Companions are installed by the Queen.

This year two new knights were admitted - former Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer, and Charles Kay-Shuttleworth, chairman of the Association of Lord Lieutenants and the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster.

In defiance of the weather, hundreds of people gathered to get a glimpse of the royals
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In defiance of the weather, hundreds of people gathered to get a glimpse of the royalsCredit: SWNS - London +44 (0)1179066550
Brollies and bunting were the order of the day
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Brollies and bunting were the order of the dayCredit: SWNS - London +44 (0)1179066550
They watched in excitement as the royals arrived at Windsor Castle
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They watched in excitement as the royals arrived at Windsor CastleCredit: PA:Press Association

The Royal Family's appearance at the service comes after a weekend filled with engagements to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

Celebrations started with a star-studded thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex chat with guests after the service
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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex chat with guests after the serviceCredit: Getty Images
The Royal Family's appearance at the service comes after a weekend filled with engagements to mark the Queen's 90th birthday
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The Royal Family's appearance at the service comes after a weekend filled with engagements to mark the Queen's 90th birthdayCredit: SWNS - London +44 (0)1179066550

Princess Charlotte made her public debut the following day as she joined senior royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the RAF.

The festivities culminated on Sunday with a street party on the Mall, where 10,000 people enjoyed a picnic lunch and a special parade.


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