The recent cancer announcements from Princess Kate and King Charles have triggered a significant increase in visitor numbers at Windsor Castle, according to a local resident who spoke to MailOnline. The iconic royal residence has witnessed record-breaking crowds this year, with fans queuing for nearly two hours to catch a glimpse of the working royals during the annual Order of the Garter procession on Monday.

“Since King Charles and the Princess of Wales had their cancer announcements, Windsor Castle has never been so busy,” the onlooker revealed. “This has probably been the record this year and probably since the Queen’s death. This is just a regular week, it’s nice weather but it’s not boiling hot.”

The resident also noted that the number of police officers in the area had “more than doubled,” underlining the heightened security measures put in place to accommodate the surge in visitors. The dedicated royal fans, many of whom were reported to be American tourists, braved lengthy queues and even inclement weather in the hope of seeing King Charles and other members of the Royal Family.

“Even in the rain back in March and April, they were queuing up for ages under their umbrellas,” the resident added. “Today was unusually busy because of the Garter.”

The Order of the Garter ceremony, which began at 3 pm in St George’s Chapel, honors Britain’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry. King Charles and Queen Camilla led the procession, adorned in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes, as they made their way from the Berkshire Castle’s State Apartments to the chapel. Following the service, the Royal Family returned to the castle by carriage, much to the delight of the gathered crowds.

This year’s ceremony saw the installation of new Companions of the Order, including renowned composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, who was made a Knight Companion. Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for his hit musicals such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats,” described the honor as “the greatest of my life” when it was announced in April.

Other notable appointments included Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former director general of MI5, who was named as the Order of the Garter’s new Chancellor, becoming the first woman to hold the post since its inception in 1475. The King also appointed Lord Ashton of Hyde, a former Conservative chief whip in the Lords, to the largely ceremonial role of Master of the Horse.

Despite the record-breaking crowds and the excitement surrounding the Order of the Garter ceremony, the event was tinged with concern for the health of Princess Kate and King Charles. The Princess of Wales, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, did not attend the service, although she made her first public appearance of 2024 at Trooping the Colour over the weekend. King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, has returned to public duties but rode in a carriage with the Queen during Trooping the Colour, a departure from last year’s ceremony.

Both Princess Kate and King Charles have expressed their gratitude for the public’s support during their health struggles. In a statement ahead of her appearance at Trooping the Colour, Kate said, “I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”

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