Trooping the Colour 2018 in photos: Meghan Markle's debut with Prince Harry and more highlights

Trooping the Colour, the London parade filled with pomp and circumstance – and highlighted by the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance by the entire British royal family – is one of our favourite royal events of the year. The annual ceremony, involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, and dating back to the reign of King Charles II, marks the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth, even though the Sovereign's actual birthday is on April 21.Scroll through for all the fantastic photos of the British royal family at Trooping the Colour 2018 on June 9.Queen Elizbeth, far left, was proudly pictured with her family, including, left to right, Meghan Markle, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, on the balcony of her home, Buckingham Palace. Standing front row are three of the Queen's adorable grandchildren, Princess Charlotte, Savannah Phillips and Prince George.Photo: Getty Images

Awaiting their husbands and the Queen, Kate Middleton and the Duchess of Cornwall stood centre stage as the royals first emerged onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace in the countdown to the flypast. Meghan Markle appeared for the first time with husband Prince Harry, to Kate's left. Photo: Getty Images

At one point Prince Charles seemed to be sharing an entertaining anecdote with son Harry and new daughter-in-law Duchess Meghan. On the right, Princess Charlotte, dressed in a cool pastel like her mother, seemed to be giving a round of applause.Photo: Getty Images

On the balcony, we had a clearer view of Meghan and Kate's beautiful pastel Trooping the Colour wardrobes – the Duchess of Sussex in pink Carolina Herrera dress with the CH Carolina Herrera Metropolitan clutch and the Duchess of Cambridge in her favourite, Alexander McQueen.Photo: Getty Images

Sophie Wessex, daughter Lady Louise Windsor, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who arrived together in the same carriage, stood side by side on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.Photo: WENN

Princess Charlotte was comforted by her mom Kate after she took a little tumble. Photo: Getty Images

Savannah Phillips had some fun with her cousin Prince George. Peter and Autumn's daughter put her hand over the future monarch's face during the flypast.Photo: Getty Images

Savannah Phillips first attempted to shush her younger cousin while on the balcony. Photo: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth's grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn were also on the balcony, back row left, as was Lady Helen Windsor, back row right, standing alongside the Duke of Kent.Photo: WENN

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their Trooping the Colour debut as a married couple, the Prince was all smiles as his new wife showed she has perfected her royal wave while the crowds cheered.Photo: Getty Images

The royal couple have just returned from their top secret honeymoon, and the Trooping the Colour event marked their first post-wedding step into royal life.Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were making their first appearance at the Queen's birthday parade less than a month following their royal wedding. The American Duchess opted for US designer Carolina Herrera and a hat by royal favourite Philip Treacy.Photo: WENN

Duchess Meghan is quickly becoming known for her tendency to find the funnier side during royal events, and was spotted laughing alongside Prince Harry during the carriage ride.Photo: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth, attending her 66th parade as sovereign – a record unmatched by any other British monarch – cut a solitary figure during the carriage ride. Her Majesty's husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who turns 97 on Sunday, June 10, was unable to take part in the parade.Photo: Getty Images

For the carriage ride which kicked off the day, Kate Middleton and her stepmother-in-law Camilla Parker Bowles both wore minty pastels. Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Kate, who gave birth to third child Prince Louis on April 23, chose her go-to designer Alexander McQueen for her bespoke dress, which she wore with a hat by Juliette Botterill.Photo: Getty Images

Sophie Wessex rode in a carriage with her nieces Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, as well as her 14-year-old daughter Lady Louise. All four wore hats, of course, in line with Trooping the Colour's royal style rules.Photo: Getty Images

Teenager Lady Louise is becoming increasingly sophisticated with her style, and this year even started wearing high heels! For Trooping the Colour 2018, the royal wore a navy blue dress and sculptural blue hat.Photo: Getty Images

Three of Queen Elizabeth's children – Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne – and grandson Prince William saluted her Majesty from horseback during the parade. Photo: WENN

Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Andrew looked dashing in their military uniforms as well, all wearing bearskin hats for the Queen's official birthday parade.Photo: Getty Images

Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter, holds a number of honorary military appointments, and was looking sharp in her military uniform and red-plumed hat. Photo: WENN

Queen Elizabeth II held onto her trusty handbag as she arrived at The Royal Horseguards.Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The Queen might have looked serious through much of the parade, but the proud grandmother couldn't help but flash a smile when she spotted her grandson Prince William on horseback.Photo: Getty Images