Trooping the Colour — Britain’s annual military parade to mark the monarch’s official birthday — has long followed a familiar script: red uniforms, horses on parade, a royal balcony appearance, and a flypast overhead. But in 2025, the tradition-steeped spectacle brought with it a series of firsts, farewells and subtle shifts that signalled changing times for both the royal family and the institution itself.
Princess Catherine’s look is reminiscent of Princess Diana’s
While not her first public appearance since confirming her cancer diagnosis in March, Princess Catherine’s attendance at Trooping the Colour marked her return to high-profile ceremonial duties. She rode in a carriage with her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — and later appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the wider family.
She wore a turquoise Catherine Walker coatdress with white collar detailing and a matching Philip Tracy hat. This outfit was reminiscent of Princess Diana’s ensemble at the same event in 1988, highlighting Kate’s ongoing tradition of honouring Diana’s legacy through fashion. Complementing her attire, Kate wore the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, originally a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II and previously worn by Princess Diana. Her daughter, Princess Charlotte, matched her mother’s ensemble, echoing the coordinated appearance of Diana and a young Prince Harry in 1988.
The Wales family shared a lovely image on their Instagram account with the caption:
“Another brilliant day at Trooping the Colour for His Majesty’s Birthday Parade. Thank you to everybody who came, and to all those who took part.”
King Charles attends despite ongoing treatment
The King, who is also receiving cancer treatment, opted for a carriage procession rather than riding on horseback as he did last year. Royal Correspondent Juliet Rieden remarked on ABC News Breakfast that he may have been advised against horse riding as usual due to his cancer. Queen Camilla accompanied him in the carriage.
She chose a refined ensemble that paid homage to her military role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. She wore a white silk dress previously seen during a recent state visit to France for D-Day commemorations
RAF Flypast goes green
In a first for the event, the iconic Red Arrows flypast used a 40 per cent blend of sustainable aviation fuel, marking a rare but meaningful climate-conscious shift for one of Britain’s most-watched public spectacles. The move echoed King Charles’s long-standing environmental interests and was framed by some as a gesture toward modernising the monarchy’s approach to tradition.
A moment of silence for Air India victims
The ceremony also included a sombre pause. Members of the military and royal family wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence for the victims of Air India Flight 171, which recently crashed en route to the UK. The tribute added a poignant note to what is typically a celebratory occasion.
Notable absences and attendances
While the crowd outside Buckingham Palace numbered in the thousands, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were again absent, marking the third consecutive year they’ve missed the event. Additionally, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, children of Prince Edward and Sophie, were not present, reportedly due to academic commitments.
The senior royals who did attend included Princess Anne, the King’s sister, who participated on horseback, Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne’s husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who also rode on horseback, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the King’s first cousin, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Richard’s wife, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the King’s first cousin.
What felt different
While much of the choreography remained familiar, this year’s Trooping felt more pared-back. Royal watchers noted fewer horses, a shorter procession, and a less theatrical tone overall. Whether due to the King and Princess’s health issues or a broader shift in tone, 2025’s edition stood out for its quieter, more reflective mood.
