Trooping the Colour 2024 is here, marking King Charles III’s second year as monarch. As king, he enjoys two birthdays, one in November and an official one in June. For the past 70 years, Trooping the Colour has revolved around Queen Elizabeth II, but now King Charles takes center stage alongside the youngest royals. Let’s reminisce about some of the most unforgettable moments from this grand event.
In 1949, during the reign of King George VI, Princess Elizabeth rode in the Horse Guards Parade to celebrate her father’s 53rd birthday. The late Queen continued to ride on horseback during the parade until 1986.
Jumping ahead to 1984, a two-year-old Prince William stole the show during Trooping the Colour. Held by his mother, Princess Diana, the future monarch toddled along the balcony with other children, capturing the attention of both the Royal Family and the public.
In 1988, a young Prince Harry showcased his cheeky side. Held by Princess Diana, he playfully pointed at things and stuck his tongue out, proving he had a knack for funny facial expressions long before his nephew, Prince Louis.
Princess Kate, then known as the Duchess of Cambridge, made her first appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour in 2011. Fresh off her April wedding, she looked elegant in a white coat dress by Alexander McQueen, paired with a large black fascinator.
During Trooping the Colour in 2017, Prince George, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, provided some entertainment. At almost four years old, he couldn’t hide his boredom, making animated expressions while standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
These are just a few of the many unforgettable moments from Trooping the Colour over the years. As we celebrate King Charles III’s reign, we look forward to creating new memories during this cherished tradition.
Prince George wasn’t quite feeling the parade in 2017, but Meghan Markle made a splash at her first Trooping the Colour in 2018. The Duchess of Sussex, wearing a stunning Carolina Herrera dress, joined Prince Harry and the Royal Family with a smile. However, according to Harry’s memoir, the outing wasn’t the most relaxed, as Meghan’s joke received a less-than-enthusiastic response.
In 2018, the royal youngsters stole the show once again. Prince George and Savannah Phillips, Princess Anne’s granddaughter, had a playful moment during the event. Savannah shushed her cousin and even covered his mouth, resulting in an adorable and amusing photo. She also provided comfort to Princess Charlotte during a tearful moment.
Prince Louis, known for his hilarious reactions, made his balcony debut at Trooping the Colour in 2019. The one-year-old was in the arms of his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate. He clapped, pointed at planes, and ended the appearance with a sweet little wave, capturing the hearts of royal fans.
The Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacted Trooping the Colour in 2021. Queen Elizabeth II’s penultimate Trooping the Colour took place at Windsor Castle, where she sat alone, dressed in a stunning lilac outfit, watching the parade and flypast.
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II attended her final Trooping the Colour birthday celebration during the Platinum Jubilee. Despite her age, the 96-year-old monarch stood and smiled on Buckingham Palace’s balcony, supported by a walking stick. She looked radiant in a light blue outfit and found amusement as Prince Louis covered his ears during the noisy festivities.
Looking ahead to 2023, King Charles III will have his first Trooping the Colour as the head of state.
The Royal Family delighted a massive crowd as they greeted onlookers from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. This event marked a significant moment for the King, as it was his inaugural Trooping the Colour celebration as the head of state. In a remarkable display, he rode on horseback during the ceremony, a feat not accomplished by a monarch since 1986 when the late queen, accompanied by her horse Burmese, took part. The London skies were adorned with the Red Arrows, paying tribute to the King’s official birthday, while Typhoon jets spelled out the letters ‘CR’ in honor of Charles Rex.
