On Tuesday19th November King Charles held a reception for those who have been appointed to the Order of the Garter. 1500 people from 130 countries showed up at Buckingham Palace and the bill was picked up out of public funds (the Taxpayers Alliance said nothing).
The Order of the Garter dates back to 1348 and in the modern era serves no obvious or useful purpose beyond that of the ceremonial. Tony Blair is a recent member though it was not reported if he attended on Tuesday.
Meanwhile King Charles wore the traditional black breeches and silk stockings he had eschewed at last year’s Coronation. He also wore around his left leg a garter inscribed with the words honit suit qui mal y pense which translates as ‘shame on he who thinks ill of it’ or in plain English, what you looking at mate.
The King also sported a pair of £3,500 opera pumps showing his commitment to sustainability as he had also worn them at the Coronation.
It was indeed a sort of Monty Pythonesque occasion updated to 2024 or possibly stuck in 1348
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