Secondly, The Prebends and Choir of Windsor, and the Alms-Knights, are here wanting.
Thirdly, The Subdean and Dean of the Chappel are taken in, and proceed next to the Gentlemen of the Chappel, to whom the Sovereign’s Almoner has sometimes joined himself.
Fourthly, Whilst the Knights-Companions are descending from their Stalls, the Gentlemen of the Chappel go into the Vestry, to put on their Copes; but the Dean of the Chappel hath his brought into the Choir, which he puts on below, under his Seat.
Fifthly and Lastly, In Queen Elizabeth’s Reign, the Ladies Attendants went with the Pensioners on either side the Sovereign.
To contribute more to the Pomp and State of this great Ceremony, a Canopy is born over the Sovereign’s Head, by Knights and Gentlemen of Quality, while he passeth in Procession, till he return to the Choir Door.
The Persons appointed to carry the Canopy, Anno 11 Hen. VIII. were four Knights of the Body, when four other Knights bore four Wax Tapers; but since they are the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in ordinary, who at the time of the Feast are in waiting, twelve of whom are appointed for this Service; the Sovereign hath also the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility, who receive notice thereof by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold.
In like manner the Lieutenants, or Deputies to the Sovereign, have had their Train carried up in the Proceedings, by Persons of Distinction; and the Train of a Stranger King, personally present at Windsor, hath also been born up; and in like manner the Train of a Deputy from a Stranger King; and lastly, the Knights-Companions have their Trains carried up by their own Gentlemen.
The Cloaths and Apparel of the Sovereign and Knights-Companions, and the great variety of rich Jewels which surround or adorn their Caps, or where else they may appear most conspicuous, shine with great Lustre.
The Provincial Kings, Heralds, and Pursuivants, habited in their rich Coats, and going together in one Body, appear also very conspicuous, from the Royal Arms of the Sovereign richly Embroidered on them with fine Gold, Purples and Twist; the Ground of the Provincial King’s Coats are blue Velvet, the Heralds blue Sattin, and the Pursuivants blue Damask.
The Habit in which the Canons of the College proceed, is also peculiar; for though, as Clergymen, they are vested in Linen Surplices at all times of Divine Service, yet at this Solemnity they wear a Mantle over those Surplices, which is a Habit appointed for them, from the Foundation of the Order; these Mantles are of Murry Taffety, and on the right Shoulder is an Escutcheon of St. George’s Arms within a Rundlet, Embroidered with Gold and Silk, which is bought at their own Charge.