In a significant display of resilience and dedication, King Charles III will participate in a major royal ceremony at Windsor Castle next week, despite ongoing cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the monarch, along with Queen Camilla, will attend the annual Garter Day celebrations on June 17, just two days after the Trooping the Colour event in London.

The Garter Day celebrations are a prestigious tradition where the king meets with and installs new members of the Order of the Garter, England’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry. The order, restricted to just 24 knights, along with select companions, royal family members, and the sovereign, holds a ceremony in Windsor Castle’s Garter Throne Room, followed by a lunch in the Waterloo Chamber. Participants don Tudor-style blue velvet robes and caps before processing to St. George’s Chapel for a church service.

This year, the ceremony gains added significance as King Charles installs his cousin by marriage, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, into the order. The Danish-born duchess, who married Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in 1972, has been a full-time working royal since 1974 and has attended all major royal events, including King Charles’ recent coronation.

The event also draws attention due to the controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s involvement. Appointed to the Order of the Garter in 2005 by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew has not participated in the public aspects of the celebrations since 2019, following his association with Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent legal issues. Despite stepping down from royal duties and losing military patronages, Andrew retains his Garter honor, allowing him eligibility to attend this year’s event.

King Charles’ participation in the Garter Day celebrations is particularly noteworthy as it follows his ongoing treatment for cancer, diagnosed in February. Cleared by his medical team to resume public engagements in April, the king has since attended garden parties and large-scale events. However, adjustments have been made to accommodate his health, such as riding in a carriage instead of on horseback during the Trooping the Colour.

The king’s determination to fulfill his royal duties, even amid health challenges, underscores his commitment to the role and his resilience. His continued public presence is a source of inspiration and admiration for many, highlighting his dedication to tradition and service.

As King Charles prepares for the upcoming events, the public and royal watchers will be closely observing both his health and the ceremonial proceedings. The Garter Day celebrations, with their rich history and contemporary relevance, promise to be a poignant moment in the king’s reign, marking not only the continuity of royal traditions but also the personal strength of the monarch.