The Queen's Regalia — What Does It All Mean?

Unlike the sash and bling, the cloak, hat, and collar are only worn on Garter Day. This is held every year on the first Monday of Royal Ascot week in June, when the Order gathers together for church and lunch. The dark blue velvet cloak is lined with white taffeta and fastened with a tassel around the neck. The queen's is stitched with a Garter Star, but all the others feature the St. George's cross encircled by the garter. A dark red velvet hood is also attached but never used (that we know of).