Private tenderness for Royals amid Garter formality

The couple exchanged smiles as William, a Royal Garter Knight, walked past her dressed in the lavish blue velvet robes of the Order with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, and later emerged from the service together.

The display of affection was in contrast to the formality of the annual event which celebrates the ancient Order of chivalry with a service held at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Kate also proved she has a frugal side appearing in a stunning ivory double-breasted outfit for the occasion, something she wore at last year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony.

But the Alexander McQueen coat, combined with a matching hat by Jane Corbett, co-ordinated neatly with the pastel outfits chosen for the occasion by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex who also appeared in near identical nude-coloured shoes.

The trio stood together, and shared a joke, as they waited from the vantage point of the Galilee Porch at St George’s Chapel, curtseying in deference to the Queen as she passed with the Duke of Edinburgh and other family members.

Wearing their blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes the Royal Garter Knights filed past as 6,000 spectators in the grounds of the castle cheered.

The Queen is sovereign of the Order and a number of other British and foreign royals are additional Royal Knights including Philip, Charles and William.

After processing to St George’s Chapel through bright summer sunshine the service was held with hymns and prayers.