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The 20 best Trooping the Colour fashion moments of all time

Over the years the military parade has seen a plethora of striking style moments from Princess Diana to Meghan Markle…

Orin Carlin
Content Writer
Updated: June 10, 2024
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No doubt royal fashion fans still reeling from the pomp and pageantry of the coronation are counting down the days until another regal style extravaganza.

Trooping the Colour is a mere few days away, and with the promise of another spectacular military parade comes the guarantee of some extremely elegant outfits.

What is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is a military parade that marks the official birthday celebration of the reigning monarch, irrespective of their actual birth date. 

This year, it will take place in London for the first time since the coronation of King Charles IIIThe parade is scheduled to take place on June 17, and will see regiments of the Household Division putting on a display with music and horses.

DON'T MISS: 5 Ascot 2023 outfit ideas that are actually pretty major 

READ: We analysed Princess Kate's coronation outfit, and this is what we found out

The annual RAF fly-past coincides with the royal family's iconic balcony appearance – so that's where you need to set your sights for a glimpse of Princess Kate's 2023 outfit. After her glittering floral headpiece and white Alexander McQueen gown at the coronation, the bar has been set sky-high…

The 20 best Trooping the Colour outfits of all time:

1/19

Queen Elizabeth II - 1956© Keystone-France

Queen Elizabeth II - 1956

Queen Elizabeth II donned the ceremonial uniform of the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, complete with shiny medals and a navy blue sash. Her stylish bearskin cap, adorned with a jaunty white plume, adding a dash of flair. This attire is a formal military uniform, symbolising the Queen's role as the head of the British Armed Forces. She waved gracefully in white gloves, standing next to adorable Princess Anne, who was dressed in a charming white frock and bonnet. It's a picture-perfect moment at Buckingham Palace.

2/19

Princess Alexandra - 1969© -

Princess Alexandra - 1969

Princess Alexandra sported a vibrant, striped ensemble that was utterly mod-chic. She wore a striking coat dress adorned with horizontal stripes in shades of silver, beige, and pink. The coat featured a high collar and was fastened with large, bold buttons, exuding a 60s vibe. Her matching pillbox hat, perched stylishly on her head, completed the look, adding a touch of playful sophistication.

3/19

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 12:  Princess Margaret And The Queen Mother In A Carriage At Trooping The Colour.  (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)© Tim Graham

Princess Margaret - 1982

Princess Margaret knocked it out of the park in 1982 with a white feather-adorned wraparound headband. She completed her look with a vibrant blue fitted jacket and a turquoise and silver brooch.

4/19

Princess Anne - 1985© PA Images

Princess Anne - 1985

Princess Anne radiated sunshine in her vibrant yellow ensemble. She donned a chic, tailored dress with a high collar and subtle pleats, cinched with a matching belt. Her look was perfectly accessorized with a stylish straw boater, featuring a coordinating yellow band and delightful net detailing. A pearl chocker and a brooch added a touch of elegance, making her a stand out on the balcony.

5/19

Princess Diana and Princess Anne Trooping The Colour 1986

Princess Diana - 1986

Princess Diana was a vision in polka dots in 1986 when she wore a white and red puff-sleeve dress, a string of pearls and a vibrant wide-brim hat.

6/19

Princess Michael Of Kent - 1988© Tim Graham

Princess Michael Of Kent - 1988

Princess Michael of Kent dazzled in a cream ensemble that was the epitome of elegance. She rocked a tweed jacket adorned with bold black buttons and a statement brooch. The black bow at her neckline added a playful touch, while her wide-brimmed hat, decked out with black flowers and a chic veil, oozed royal sophistication.

MORE: 5 style moments you may have missed at the coronation

RELATED: The 23 best Royal Ascot outfits of all time

7/19

Diana, Princess of Wales, holding a young Prince Harry in her arms as she watches Trooping the Colour with Prince William, Lady Rose Windsor, Lady Davina Windsor and Princess Margaret from the balcony of Buckingham Palace  (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)© Tim Graham

Princess Diana - 1988

Princess Diana made us green with envy in a stunning emerald green suit with sharp white lapels that popped against the vibrant colour. Her wide-brimmed hat, which matched the suit with a crisp white band, was pure perfection. The triple strand pearl choker adding a touch of glam, as she carried young Prince Harry, who matched in green suspenders.

8/19

Katharine, Duchess of Kent - 1991© Tim Graham

Katharine, Duchess of Kent - 1991

Katharine, the Duchess of Kent exuded timeless elegance in a striking red ensemble. Her tailored jacket was adorned with a still-very-much-on-trend rosette, which perfectly complemented her chic, wide-brimmed hat accented with a sophisticated white ribbon. Her bold and stylish outfit made a regal statement, showcasing her impeccable taste.

9/19

Princess Alexandra - 2006© Mark Cuthbert

Princess Alexandra - 2006

Standing out with her impeccable fashion sense Princess Alexandra looked elegant as ever at the Trooping the Colour ceremony. She wore a pristine, tailored white coat dress adorned with delicate buttons. The ensemble was completed with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with white floral accents. Her accessories included a royal-approved multi-strand pearl necklace and a matching brooch.

10/19

Princess Beatrice Trooping The Colour 2007© Max Mumby/Indigo

Princess Beatrice – 2007

Princess Beatrice raised the bar in the accessory department in 2008 - that's for sure. Wearing a textural extravaganza, she paved the way for wedding guests wanting to make a major hat statement.

11/19

Prince Michael of Kent, Princess Michael of Kent, Lady Frederick Windsor and Princess Kate © Max Mumby/Indigo

Lady Frederick Windsor - 2011

Sophie Winkleman, who is the wife of Lord Frederick Windsor, looked elegant in 2011 in a 1980s-feel dark fitted jacket with a cream wide-brim hat and pearl stud earrings.

12/19

Lady Gabriella Windsor during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall on June 11, 2016 in London, England. The ceremony is Queen Elizabeth II's annual birthday parade and dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th Century when the Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle.  (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)© Mark Cuthbert

Lady Gabriella Windsor - 2016

Gabriella Windsor exuded elegance with her refined outfit in 2016. She wore a chic, tailored beige coat dress with pale blue accents along the front, cuffs, and pockets, adding a subtle pop of colour. Her ensemble was complemented by a wide-brimmed beige hat adorned with intricate ribbon detailing. Gabriella's understated pearl drop earrings completed her poised and polished look.

13/19

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George stand on the balcony during the Trooping the Colour, this year marking the Queen's official 90th birthday at The Mall on June 11, 2016 in London, England. The ceremony is Queen Elizabeth II's annual birthday parade and dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th Century when the Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle.  (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)© Samir Hussein

Princess Kate - 2016

At the 2016 Trooping the Colour, Princess Kate looked radiant in a pastel Alexander McQueen dress coat. The elegant outfit, which she also wore to her daughter Princess Charlotte's christening, features a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. She topped off the ensemble with a stylish Philip Treacy saucer hat adorned with a large floral detail. Kate accessorised with pearl earrings and Mappin & Webb's Empress pendant.



14/19

Lady Amelia Windsor, Trooping The Colour 2017© Max Mumby/Indigo

Lady Amelia Windsor - 2017

Lady Amelia Windsor captured the spirit of summer dressing in 2017, wearing a crisp white textured dress with a rich blue headpiece.

15/19

Princess Eugenie Trooping The Colour 2018© Mark Cuthbert

Princess Eugenie – 2018

Princess Eugenie looked resplendent in bottle green in 2018 when she styled her dress alongside a softly rounded botanical pattern headpiece.

16/19

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018 in London, England.

The Duchess of Sussex – 2018

Meghan Markle looked categorically elegant in 2018 when she wore a light pink asymmetric off-the-shoulder dress by Carolina Herrera.

17/19

The Prince and Princess of Wales Trooping The Colour 2019© Chris Jackson

The Princess of Wales – 2019

Princess Kate opted for a pale yellow centrally pleated outfit by Alexander McQueen in 2019, complete with matching floral headpiece.

18/19

Princess Beatrice - 2019© Chris Jackson

Princess Beatrice - 2019

At the 2019 Trooping the Colour, Princess Beatrice looked stunning in a blush pink dress adorned with black lace detailing. The dress featured a sleek, modern silhouette, and she complemented it with a floral headpiece by milliner Judy Bentinck.

19/19

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Kent on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade in June 2022© Getty

Queen Elizabeth II – 2022

The late monarch was in high spirits at the 2022 trooping ceremony in a dusty bead-trimmed lilac ensemble.

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