The Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Chappel, the Petty-Canons, and Vicars of Windsor, appear in Habits more glorious, being all (or the most part of them) vested in rich Copes of Cloth of Gold, or most costly Embroideries; but the Children of the Chappel and Choiristers, proceed habited in Surplices of white Linen; lastly, the Habits of the Alms-Knights Statutes appoint to be of a red Colour, with a Shield of the Arms of St. George, but without a Garter to surround them.
In this Grand Proceeding, the Habits entertain the Beholders with a very delightful Prospect, being so ordered, that the Grave are placed between those that are Rich and Gallant; and to add to the greater Shew of this Solemn Ceremony, the Registers of the Order make mention of divers Persons of Rank and Quality, who put themselves on the Duty of Attendance on their Sovereign, because related to his Service, though in reference to the Order not so concerned as to be taken into the Proceeding; such are divers of the Nobility, sometimes great Ladies, many considerable Officers of the Houshold, and other Courtiers, all richly habited and attired.
To complete the Pomp of this great Solemnity, we may (in the last Place,) fitly remember the Musick, as a part thereof, the Choirs of the Sovereign’s Chappel at St. James’s, and at Windsor, being united, all Singing the sacred Hymn together, while the Grand Procession devoutly passeth; and on their return to the Choir Door, the Alms-Knights first advance into it, and after double Reverences ascend above the Haut Pas’s to the Altar.
Next the Choiristers, and in like manner the Vicars, Petty-Canons of Windsor, Gentlemen of the Chappel, and Prebends, go to their Seats.
Then the Officers of Arms pass up, and join to the Alms-Knights. After this the Knights-Companions enter, and stand before their Stalls.
The like doth the Black-Rod, Garter, and Register.
As also the Chancellor and Prelate.
Then doth the Sovereign take his Royal Stall.
The Knights-Companions ascend their Stalls.
The Officers of the Order sit down on their Forms, in the same Manner and Order, and with like Reverences, as at their Entrance into the Choir, on the Eve of the Feast.