HRH The Prince of Wales's Uniform
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is wearing the Royal Navy Number One Dress (Ceremonial) to the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. The Prince of Wales has held the rank of Admiral of the Royal Navy since 2006.
The Sash (blue) - Order of the Garter (worn from left shoulder to right side)
The Garter Star: The Most Noble Order of the Garter is worn on the left, below a row of medals. It is a silver eight-pointed star with a centre medallion portraying the enamelled red Cross of St George surrounded by enamelled blue garter inscribed with the motto of the Order “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE” (Evil be to him that thinks evil).
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348, is the senior British Order of Chivalry. The Prince of Wales automatically became a Knight of the Garter when he became Prince of Wales in 1958, but was not installed until 17th June 1968, at Windsor Castle.
Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life, or who have served the Sovereign personally.
The Order of the Garter Thistle Star: Worn on the left chest below the Garter Star.
Neck Order: The badge of the Order of the Bath. The Prince of Wales was made Great Master of the Order on 28th May 1975. The title of the Order is late medieval in origin. It arose from the ritual washing (inspired by the washing of baptism), a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of a knight's preparations for the conferment of knighthood.
The Order of Merit: Worn on the military braiding on the right side of the chest. The badge is an eight-pointed cross of red and blue enamel surmounted by the imperial crown; in the centre, upon blue enamel and surrounded by a laurel wreath, are the words in gold lettering “For Merit”.
The Order of Merit is a special honour awarded to individuals of great achievement in the fields of the arts, learning, literature and science. It is relatively new and is one of the most coveted of British distinctions. The Order is restricted to 24 members (as well as additional foreign recipients).
As with the Royal Victorian Order, the Order of Merit is in the sole gift of the Sovereign but carries no rank apart from the initials OM after the name. The Prince of Wales was awarded the Order of Merit on 26th June, 2002.
Medals (from left to right):
The Queen’s Service Order (New Zealand) This was awarded in 1983
Instituted on 13th March 1975, this order is to recognize valuable voluntary service to the community and meritorious and faithful public services, both in a civilian capacity.
Coronation Medal This was awarded in 1953 to commemorate The Queen’s Coronation.
Silver Jubilee Medal This was awarded in 1977 to commemorate The Queen’s 25 years on the Throne.
Golden Jubilee Medal This was awarded in 2002 to commemorate The Queen’s 50 years on the Throne.
Canadian Forces Decoration This was awarded in 1991. The Prince has a number of special relationships with Canadian regiments.
The New Zealand Commemorative Medal These medals were awarded in 1990 and marks The Prince’s special relationship with New Zealand.
Royal Naval Sword
Aiguillettes (ornamental braiding): Worn on the right shoulder as he is Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to The Queen. In any other case it would be worn on the left shoulder.
Mrs Middleton's dress
Mrs. Carole Middleton is wearing a sky blue wool crepe coatdress with matching satin piping and passementerie at the waist and cuff over a sky blue silk shantung ‘Sydney’ day dress with short pleated sleeves and pleated pockets. The dress and coatdress are by Catherine Walker. Mrs. Middleton’s hat is by Berkshire-based Jane Corbett.
The Duchess of Cornwall's outfit
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing an outfit designed by Anna Valentine to the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton.
The outfit consists of a champagne silk dress and a duck egg blue and champagne coat, which is hand-embroidered. The dress and coat are both designed by Anna Valentine.
The Duchess of Cornwall is wearing a Philip Treacy hat and shoes made by Jimmy Choo. The clutch bag is by Anna Valentine.
Her Majesty The Queen's outfit
Her Majesty The Queen is wearing an Angela Kelly designed single crepe wool primrose dress with hand sown beading at the neck in the shape of sunrays. Matching double crepe wool tailored primrose coat.
An Angela Kelly designed matching crepe hat with handmade silk roses and matching apricot coloured leaves.
Jewellery: Queen Mary’s True Lovers Knot brooch.
