Kate Middleton Attends Order of the Garter 14 Years After Making Debut as Prince William’s Girlfriend

Kate’s appearance at the royal service was a huge sign that she was being accepted into the royal family fold

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel on June 13, 2022 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (772354g)
Kate Middleton
Service for the Order of the Garter at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, Berkshire, Britain – 16 Jun 2008

Kate Middleton attended one of the oldest royal traditions on Monday: Order of the Garter.

The order of chivalry was founded by King Edward III in 1348, and the Duchess of Cambridge, 40, made her royal debut at the prestigious event back in 2008 when she and Prince William were dating. William also received his Order of the Garter knighthood that year, so it was a momentous occasion.

Kate’s appearance at the ceremony was a significant signal that she was being welcomed into the royal family fold. Kate and William, who began dating in 2003, met while studying at the University of St. Andrews. She and William tied the knot at Westminster Abbey three years later on April 29, 2011.

It was clear during her 2008 appearance that Kate, who wore a polka-dot black skirt suit and matching hat for the event, was already very comfortable with William’s family as she chatted happily with Prince Harry and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

The Order of the Garter ceremony has been a constant thread in their relationship. Less than two months after her royal wedding, Kate appeared at the event — this time riding in the carriage alongside her new husband.

On Monday, Kate arrived in a bright blue coat dress by Alexander McQueen (her wedding dress designer!) and a matching hat by Juliette Botterill.

[via]