Garter parade seen by thousands

The Blues and Royals - part of the Household Cavalry - lined the route

Thousands of onlookers have turned out to witness the traditional spectacle of the Order of the Garter parade.

More than 8,000 people filled the grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire to witness the procession.

The annual parade saw Royal Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Garter - the oldest surviving Order of Chivalry - walk down to St George's Chapel.

They attended a thanksgiving service there. Among royals present was the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles walked alongside his sister, the Princess Royal, and was preceded by the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Gloucester.

Near the procession's rear were the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who were dressed in traditional Garter robes.

The Queen was dressed in traditional Garter robes

Troops from two divisions of the Household Cavalry - the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals - lined the procession route.

More than 200 police officers also turned out to keep an eye on proceedings at the castle, where security has been breached in the last year.

The Order of the Garter was founded in 1348 by Edward III and is awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievements.

The origin of the garter itself is unclear but it is said to have been inspired by events at a ball in France where the King picked up a garter which had been dropped by the Countess of Salisbury.

The dropping of the garter had caused laughter among guests, but the king uttered the phrase "Honi mal qui mal y pense" ("Evil be unto him who thinks evil") - which is now the order's motto.

No new members of the order were invested at this year's event.