The Queen didn’t give Princess Alexandra much time at all to consider becoming a member of the prestigious Order of the Garter.
In a 2016 interview, unearthed as part of brand new Channel 5 documentary Princess Alexandra: The Queen’s Confidant, Alexandra said she had no time to ‘think about’ her decision.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded in the 14th century – the most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system.
Only the Victoria Cross and George Cross supersede the Order of the Garter – and the coveted group can only include up to 26 members at a time.
And the Queen didn’t hesitate to hit out at Princess Alexandra for her request to consider her membership.
(Image: Getty Images)
The documentary’s narrator explained: “In further recognition of her achievements, the Queen made Alexandra a member of the exclusive Order of the Garter – the oldest and most senior honour to have been received for an outstanding national contribution.
In her rare 2016 interview, Alexandra reflected on her award with characteristic modesty.
In the interview, taken from BBC programme The Queen at 90 to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, Alexandra said: “To my astonishment, when she said she’d given me the Garter or was going to give me the Garter, I remember thinking ‘Good gracious, could I think about it?’
(Image: Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
“And she said, ‘Alexandra, I’m terribly sorry, you cannot because it’s already been cassetted, and it’s going to be announced tomorrow morning!'”
Royal Commentator Daisy McAndrew chipped in: “To really get the significance of being given the Order of the Garter, you have to understand that only 26 people at one time can have it.”
An exclusive honour indeed – something reflected on by Royal Biographer Hugo Vickers, who was responsible for royal titles including Alice: Princess Andrew of Greece and Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
(Image: Getty Images)
He pointed out: “Princess Margaret was not given the Order of the Garter, but Princess Alexandra was – I think that’s significant.”
Alexandra was also one of just 30 guests able to mourn alongside the Queen at her husband Prince Philip’s funeral earlier this year.
The Honourable Lady Ogilvy was awarded the Order of the Garter in April 2003, as a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
At the same time, the Queen also appointed The Duke of Westminster, the Right Honourable Lord Butler of Brockwell and the Right Honourable Lord Morris of Aberavon to be Knights Companion to the Order.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
