Who could forget these appearances?

As Trooping the Colour 2025 approaches, Royal Insider takes a look back at 10 of the most iconic looks and outfits from over the years.

Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British monarch for more than 250 years, beginning in 1748 during the reign of King George II.

More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and hundreds of musicians usually take part in Trooping the Colour. And thousands of spectators line The Mall hoping to glimpse the royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony, and for the traditional RAF flypast. Here are 10 royal appearances at Trooping the Colour that supporters will always remember.

The Queen makes her final Trooping the Colour appearance in 2022 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Trooping the Colour outfits: Queen Elizabeth II

Almost certainly for anyone reading this article, the late Queen Elizabeth II will have been at the centre of Trooping the Colour throughout our lifetimes. Her final appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony came as part of the unforgettable platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022 – and just three months before her death aged 96.

Queen Elizabeth II did not appear for Trooping the Colour only twice during her 70-year reign. The first instance, in 1955, was due to a national rail strike leading to the event being cancelled. The event was also not held in 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

And so, with more appearances than any other monarch, it seems fitting the late queen’s poignant final showing, exquisitely attired in lavender, standing next to her eldest son – and her heir – Charles, and Prince Louis – one of his grandchildren – should be celebrated as one of her most renowned.
King Charles riding on horseback during Trooping the Colour 2023 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

King Charles’ first Trooping the Colour as monarch

Likewise, King Charles‘ first Trooping the Colour appearance as monarch the next year, in 2023, is also highly esteemed. Displays from male royals tend to involve military uniforms or dark suits – with possibly less variation marking them out than outfits worn by female royals.

But as well as marking his monarchical debut for Trooping the Colour, 2023 also included the first time the British sovereign had inspected troops on horseback at the event since 1986.

That was not repeated during 2024, amid the king’s cancer diagnosis – and is not tipped to occur in 2025.

King Charles and Queen Camilla greet the crowds during Trooping the Colour 2023 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Queen Camilla wears red outfit at Charles’ birthday parade

Queen Camilla wore a striking silk red dress and for her husband’s first official birthday parade.

It was suggested as the event was broadcast by the BBC her outfit reflected “the heritage of the Grenadier Guards”.

She became Colonel of the Grenadier Guards – one of Britain’s most senior infantry regiments – in December 2022, taking over from Prince Andrew after the queen withdrew his military honours.

She paired her distinguished outfit with a hat said to be a nod to the Guards’ own bearskin military hats.
The Princess of Wales stole the show at Trooping the Colour last year (Credit: Cover Images)

Princess Kate at Trooping the Colour 2024

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, may hold the title for most stunning dresses and ensembles ever witnessed on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

But one of her most memorable looks happened at last year’s parade. Kate’s appearance at Trooping the Colour 2024 was her first major public outing since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March of that year.

Royal fans rejoiced over seeing the Princess of Wales looking so radiant and well during the appearance with husband Prince William and their three children.

Kate wore a stunning white dress with navy accents. She added a matching hat.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry travel by carriage in 2019 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour

In 2019, all eyes were drawn to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Louis had made his first Trooping the Colour appearance – but his show-stealing antics would become more prominent at royal occasions as he got a little older.

His mother Kate looked typically immaculate in a lemon yellow Alexander McQueen dress.

But in her return from maternity leave, having become a mother for the first time to Prince Archie just a month beforehand, Meghan rightly commanded lots of attention in a navy short-sleeve dress from Givenchy matched with a hat by Noelle Stewart.

Simply stunning.

Prince Harry enjoys a chat with Prince Philip during Trooping the Colour in 2012 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Prince Harry wears uniform for Trooping the Colour

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has not featured in any Trooping the Colour line-ups. He did attended celebrations during the platinum jubilee, but did not appear on the balcony.

Neither did he wear military uniform for the occasion, which he had been associated with for his entire adult life. And so, Royal Insider has selected a happy showing from the Duke of Sussex for this rundown.

Photos from Trooping the Colour over the years often depict Prince Harry smiling and interacting joyously with his relatives. And so, to that end, we’ve picked out his appearance from 2012. Snapped chatting with his grandfather Prince Philip, Prince Harry wore a huge smile as he spent time with his relatives.

Lady Louise Windsor chats with Kate Middleton during Trooping the Colour in 2012 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Lady Louise Windsor on the palace balcony

Similar to her mother the Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise Windsor has been positioned in the press as one of the royal family’s most unassuming members, with her perceived modesty presented as a boon for a modern monarchy.

But for her second Trooping the Colour appearance in 2012, aged just eight, she stood out in a lilac outfit. She stood next to her grandmother and grandfather, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, demonstrating how dearly she was regarded by them.

Furthermore, taking on the role of bridesmaid for Kate Middleton and Prince William just a couple of months beforehand, pictures showing Lady Louise and Kate chatting as they observed goings on showed their close bond.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, had a plum spot on the balcony in 2023 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh at Trooping the Colour

Often hailed as the royal family’s “secret weapon” due to her understated popularity, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh shimmered in ivory as she wore a Belulah London midi dress and a Jane Taylor wide-brimmed hat in 2023.

Reports claimed that she previously wore the same outfit for Royal Ascot in 2014. But amid an outstanding royal display for King Charles’ first Trooping the Colour, Sophie looked the epitome of elegance.
Hats off to the looks shown off by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in 2016 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have form for extraordinarily eye-catching headpieces. Who could ever forget the intricate fascinators they wore for Prince William’s wedding to Kate in 2011?

Prince Andrew’s daughters have also made a bold impression when it comes to Trooping the Colour. Princess Beatrice’s orange hat wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Cubist masterpiece. And Princess Eugenie‘s floral choice also had a breathtakingly innovative design.