I believe the late Queen never awarded any honours lightly.

1. Margaret - I always believed the late Queen did not think her sister was up to the mark publicly and privately. About a year after Margaret died (a suitable interval) the late Queen honoured Princess Alexandra with the Garter. Alexandra's reputation was unblemished and the late Queen rightly recognised her life of royal service and duty, but only after the much higher ranking Margaret had passed away.

2. Those two were not real "working royals" as described today.

3. I agree that Catherine will be the next royal lady to get the Garter, if not from Charles then William for sure when his time comes.

4. We will never again see so many great glittering events. I'm sure William is not enthusiastic about them, and he had great influence over Charles's coronation ensuring we enthusiasts had no opportunities to drool over loads of glittering jewels and gowns. (I thought the head ornament worn by Catherine was dreadful!)