The major step Prince Charles and Camilla took to becoming King and Queen
This week, Prince Charles and Camilla took a major step towards the Duke of Cornwall’s ascension to the throne during the Order of the Garter Service.
As Her Royal Highness honoured those who have been knighted in recognition of their public service, Charles and Camilla played an upgraded role in the ceremony.
The 700-year-old ceremony is the most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain and was the perfect ceremony to give the heir to the throne a significant role.
In past years, Charles and Camilla would follow behind the Queen in their own carriage during the procession between Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel.
This year, the pair were upgraded to the monarch’s carriage and filled Prince Philip’s spot since the 97-year-old retired from his royal duties in August last year.
Camilla sat next to the Queen during the procession while Charles took the opposite seat.
The ceremony was also attended by senior members of the royal family, along with the Garter Knights who are personally picked by the Queen, without consulting ministers.
Yesterday, Dame Mary Fagan and the Viscount Brookeborough became members of the exclusive group following the deaths of Sir Ninian Stephen and Sir William Gladstone.
The group only has 24 members and is led by the monarch and the heir to the throne, who automatically fill the top spots.
Those who are asked to become members of the most senior order of knighthood in the UK are chosen because they have held public office, contributed to national life or served the sovereign personally.
Other members include former prime minister Sir John Major and Admiral Lord Boyce, a former head of the UK’s armed forces.