Whenever June rolls around each year, there are several things we immediately think of.
Our winter wardrobes (for obvious reasons), the fact that we’re already halfway through the year (again, for despairingly obvious reasons) and, of course, one of the biggest events on the royal calendar – Trooping the Colour.
Oh yes, a day that serves up a healthy dose of pomp, fanfare and a royal spectacle – from the very balcony of Buckingham Palace, no less – this is always going to be a day we none blue-blooded folk will gladly flock to feast our eyeballs on.
And there’s one overriding element to the day’s events that always keeps us on our toes – the outfits.
Held in honour of the reigning sovereign’s birthday, the annual event occurs at Buckingham Palace and takes place before a regal procession of horse-drawn carriages, many of which host the royal family members themselves as they make their way into the location.
Then comes the iconic flyover, which coincides with the moment the entire royal family step out onto the balcony together to watch, and wave to onlookers.
Over the years, the event has seen many a colourful moment – and we’re not just talking about Prince George’s hilarious displays or Prince Louis’ frantic wave. And while this year will certainly look a little different pending the attendance and ongoing health battles faced by senior royals, loyal fans of the annual event will continue to indulge in the spectacle.
Oh yes, and of course the outfits, which truly put the cherry on top of the fun-filled day.
Keep scrolling for our favourite Trooping the Colour outfits of all time.
A royal spectacle indeed. In 1964, the Queen set the precedent for the annual event by wearing official garb like her husband Philip. In the above picture, she holds newborn son Prince Edward.
Princess Diana was a fashion icon at the event from the get-go. Pictured here in 1982 shortly after her wedding to Prince Charles and pregnant to first son William, the beautiful Princess opted for a bold green maternity dress with a matching hat.
In 1987, Diana and in-law Sarah Ferguson swapped fashion notes by opting for brimmed hats during the annual event. We’re particularly fond of Diana’s stark white look, which looked timelessly classy and chic.
A year later, Diana was back to her green roots, wearing this iconic peppermint and white ensemble, which adorably matched with a cheeky Prince Harry.
The royal women were back at it again in 1991 – Diana and Fergie’s ensembles were a 1990s fashion peak.
Following in her mother Sarah’s footsteps, Beatrice has always been known to make quite the fashion statement at the event throughout the years. This standout hat, worn in 2007, is case in point!
Newly married to Prince William, Duchess Catherine made her grand debut in 2011 alongside in-law Camilla in a beautiful white Alexander McQueen coat.
Ever the colour chameleon, Queen Elizabeth II went bold as she went home for the 2016 Trooping the Colour parade. A zesty green never goes amiss!
Another year, another Alexander McQueen coat for the fashion forward Kate in 2017. In a Diana mirror moment, she also subtly matched with her daughter Charlotte for the occasion.
In 2018, Catherine and Camilla opted for muted ice blue tones for the spectacle. Once again, Kate’s designer of choice was Alexander McQueen – a fashion hack worth noting!
Duchess Meghan broke onto the Trooping the Colour scene with flying, well… colours in 2018. Mere weeks after her showstopping royal wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan’s pastel pink Carolina Herrera dress became an icon in itself.
Meghan and Kate shared a sweet bonding moment during the day’s event.
In 2019, Meghan made one of her first post-baby appearances after welcoming baby Archie to the royal fold just a month earlier. The Duchess’ navy blue Givenchy ensemble was the perfect, statement-making comeback outfit.
Eugenie and Beatrice did nothing to quell the notion to claim that Trooping the Colour is a right royal fashion spectacle. Beatrice’s pale pink dress with black detailing was subtle, yet sweet, while Eugenie’s printed blue frock was an undeniable eye-catcher.
True to tradition, Kate wore a yellow Alexander McQueen frock to the event in 2019, a look that almost (emphasis on almost) stole the show over Prince Louis’ adorable balcony debut.
In 2022, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge was a vision in her crisp white coat dress by Alexander McQueen. She had previously worn the outfit in 2021.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wore a sky blue stripy dress with pearls and a blue hat for the 2022 Trooping the Colour.
For her Platinum Jubilee official birthday parade, the Queen looked distinguished in her sky blue coat and hat with floral motif trimming, but her sunglasses were a special highlight.
The 2023 Trooping the Colour was a memorable occasion for many reasons, one being the first for Kate Middleton as the Princess of Wales.
Her style choice of course held many hidden meanings not lost on those who understood the significance of the occasion. Catherine’s green tailored dress was designed by Singapore-born Andrew GN, a nod to the 2023 Earthshot Prize Ceremony held and attended by her husband Prince William.
Along with her new title, Catherine also took on a new role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, which she recognised in her choice of colourway as well as the Cartier brooch.
In their first Trooping the Colour as King and Queen, Their Majesties looked like a uniformed match!
The 2023 event was the first long-held tradition in honour of King Charles himself which meant all eyes were on the pair.
Queen Camilla, like many others, was appointed the new role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, a role that inspired her choice of outfit. Camilla’s epaulettes reflected her rank and title and her black Philip Treacy hat an intentional nod to the traditional bearskin hats of the Grenadier Guards.
In a wonderful act of sustainability, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, opted for a dress and hat she had previously been seen in before.
In 2023 at the annual Trooping the Colours, the wife of Prince Edward chose to re-wear a cream Belulah London dress and ivory wide-brimmed hat previously seen on the Duchess at the 2014 Royal Ascot.
Gregory Daniels is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, he explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture. Gregory enjoys staying ahead of the curve and sharing emerging trends with his readers.