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Catherine, Princess of Wales watches a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 2, 2022 in London, England. Trooping The Colour, also known as The Queen's Birthday Parade, is a military ceremony performed by regiments of the British Army that has taken place since the mid-17th century. It marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign. This year, from June 2 to June 5, 2022, there is the added celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The 25 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…

Lauren Ramsay
Fashion and Lifestyle Writer
Updated: June 13, 2025
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There's no doubt that royal fashion fans are counting down the days until another regal style extravaganza.

Trooping the Colour 2025 falls on Saturday, June 14, 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. 

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 inevitably stylish outfit. After her impeccably chic Jenny Packham outfit of 2024, he bar has been set sky-high…

The 20 best Trooping the Colour outfits of all time:

1/25

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.

2/25

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.

3/25

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.

4/25

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.

5/25

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.

6/25

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.

7/25

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.

8/25

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.

9/25

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.

10/25

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.

11/25

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.

12/25

Kate stunned at her debut Trooping The Colour event in 2011© UK Press via Getty Images

Princess Kate - 2011

For her debut Trooping the Colour, Kate stunned in a bridal-esque coat dress by Alexander McQueen featuring a double-breasted fastening and a fashion-forward samurai-style skirt.

13/25

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice with Prince Andrew, Duke of York during the annual Trooping The Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2013 in London, England.  (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)© UK Press via Getty Images

Princess Beatrice - 2013

Grey hues aren't a regular choice for such events, but Princess Beatrice wore the chicest greige hue in 2013. Her coat dress featured cute bow accents that would slot perfectly onto fashion agenda's in the 2020s. 

14/25

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.

15/25

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.



16/25

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.

17/25

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.

18/25

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.

19/25

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.

20/25

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.

21/25

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive at Trooping The Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, on June 08, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The Duchess of Sussex - 2019

In 2019, Meghan Markle perfected her signature refined elegance agenda wearing head-to-toe navy. 

22/25

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.

23/25

Prince Louis of Cambridge and Catherine, Princess of Wales watch the fly-past on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a traditional parade held to mark the British Sovereign's official birthday. It will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The Princess of Wales - 2023

At the 2023 Trooping the Colour, Princess Kate was a vision in an emerald green coat dress by Andrew Gn. Her ensemble featured satin trim and handcrafted jewelled buttons, complemented by a custom wide-brimmed hat designed by Philip Treacy. She accessorised with Princess Diana's heirloom sapphire and diamond earrings and a gold shamrock brooch, a homage to her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards.

24/25

Duchess of Edinburgh departs Buckingham Palace in a horse drawn carriage to attend Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a traditional military parade held at Horse Guards Parade to mark the British Sovereign's official birthday. It will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The Duchess of Edinburgh

Duchess Sophie's incredible hat was the accessories winner in 2023. Her sculptural cream piece featured a statement floral embellishment and an asymmetric brim.

25/25

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Princess Charlotte - 2024

In 2024, Princess Charlotte showed that she's a mini Kate in the making, wearing the cutest navy dress with a stylish white bow. 

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