Kate Middletonattended one of the oldest royal traditions on Monday:Order of the Garter.

Kate’s appearance at the ceremony was a significant signal that she was being welcomed into the royal family fold. Kate and William, who began dating in 2003, met while studying at the University of St. Andrews. She and William tied the knot at Westminster Abbey three years later on April 29, 2011.

It was clear during her 2008 appearance that Kate, who wore a polka-dot black skirt suit and matching hat for the event, was already very comfortable with William’s family as she chatted happily withPrince HarryandCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Anwar Hussein/Getty; Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge Order of the Garter

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at Order of the Garter in 2008.Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty

Prince Harry, Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

The Order of the Garter ceremony has been a constant thread in their relationship. Less than two months after her royal wedding, Kate appeared at the event — this time riding in the carriage alongside her new husband. For the 2011 ceremony, Kate wore a silver Katherine Hooker dress and matching coat with grey suede pumps and a matching hat.

Prince Charles, Kate Middleton and Prince William at Order of the Garter in 2011.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool /Getty

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

And in 2014, Kate, in a pastel blue Christopher Kane coat dress, beamed at William who was caught giving her a sweet smile as he looked over at her during his parade to Windsor Castle.

Kate Middleton and Prince William at Order of Garter ceremony 2014.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool /Getty

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex watch as Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Kate Middleton.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and the Duchess of Cambridge, they watch the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel

Kate Middleton.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge Order of the Garter

Kate missedlast year’s ceremonywhile on maternity leave, but she was all smiles while William wore the velvet robes and high ostrich plume in his hat for the annual celebration of the Order of the Garter, one of the oldest and most senior order of knighthood in the U.K.

source: people.com