Trooping the Colour took place this Saturday (13 June) and saw all the senior royals out to celebrate. Held annually in June, the parade celebrates The King's official birthday, even though his birthdate is actually in November.
The tradition of Trooping the Colour dates back to centuries, to King George II’s time, when he combined the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration (even though, like King Charles, his actual birthday was in the autumn). The name, too, is a relic of older times, when various military regiments would show off their flags in all different colours so you get “trooping” the “colour.”
During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Trooping the Colour highlighted the large, extended royal family, up until her Platinum Jubilee, when the Buckingham Palace balcony only featured royals who were 'currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen,' thus excluding Prince Harry and Meghan, among others. That precedent focusing on the 'slimmed-down monarchy' has held under King Charles’s reign, with just a small group of working royals along with the Prince and Princess of Wales' children, and sometimes the Edinburgh children - Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
Here, we take a look at all the best photos of the royals at Trooping the Colour this year:
A view of Buckingham Palace before the parade began.
The Grenadier Guards on the Mall ahead of the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, pictured here in the Ascot Landau carriage.
The Wales family arriving at the Palace.
Kate and her youngest son, Prince Louis, in a carriage together.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte sat across from them.
The Princess of Wales wore a light blue Catherine Walker dress and Cassandra Goad pearl earrings.
Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne depart the Palace on horseback.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence in the No.1 Barouche carriage. Both their spouses (Prince Edward and Princess Anne) rode horseback in the parade.
Birgette, Duchess of Gloucester channeled the Princess of Wales favourite print in polka dots and a ruffled collar.
Birgette and her husband Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester in a carriage together.
King Charles waves to the crowds.
Queen Camilla wore a historic brooch pinned to her Fiona Clare outfit.
Princess Charlotte wore an oversized bow in her hair.
King Charles and The Princess of Wales share a smile at Horse Guards Parade.
Prince William in the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards.
Princess Charlotte gracefully exiting the carriage.
Prince Edward in the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Scots Guards.
Princess Anne, in the Full Mounted Ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals.
Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, watch the King’s salute.
