London’s Horse Guards Parade recently lit up with the vibrant spectacle of Trooping the Colour, King Charles’s official birthday parade, and it was truly a day for the history books! From matching mother-daughter styles to adorable sibling antics and a deeply touching moment between a royal couple, the British Monarchy once again captivated the world.
The event saw Prince William and Princess Kate step out with their three charming children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. As hundreds of soldiers, musicians, and horses paraded through the heart of London, cameras caught some truly heartwarming exchanges.
A Look of Love Echoing Royalty Past
One of the most talked-about moments of the day was a sweet glance Princess Kate, 43, gave her husband, Prince William, 42, as he rode on horseback in the procession as Colonel-in-Chief of the Welsh Guards. This tender look of affection immediately sparked comparisons to an iconic image of Queen Elizabeth giving Prince Philip a similar loving look at Trooping the Colour in 2009. The resemblance was made even more striking by the fact that both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Kate wore aqua blue outfits and hats in the side-by-side comparison photos, while Prince Philip, like William, sported a scarlet red military uniform tunic and a bearskin hat.
It’s clear that William and Kate are a “tight team”. Princess Kate’s approach to her royal role is reportedly inspired by how Prince Philip supported Queen Elizabeth, always backing William’s lead while also pursuing her own interests. Royal biographers describe their marriage as a “modern royal marriage” because it’s a love match, yet also “old-fashioned” in how Kate consistently appears as a supportive figure to her husband, never trying to outshine him.
Twinning in Teal: Kate and Charlotte’s Sweet Style Statement
Beyond the touching glances, a major highlight was the fashion coordination between Princess Kate and her daughter, Princess Charlotte. The mother-daughter duo elegantly “twinned” in shades of bold teal and aquamarine blue. Kate dazzled in an aquamarine wool coat dress with ivory lapels, believed to be the ‘Bria’ dress from Catherine Walker, one of her favorite designers. She accessorized her elegant look with a matching wide-brimmed hat by Juliette Botterill and, in a beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, wore the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings.
Princess Charlotte, 10, complemented her mother perfectly, opting for a muted teal dress with a white waist bow and white flats. She also wore a small pin brooch and sported her signature half-up, half-down plaits. This bold teal color was a new choice for Kate, possibly taking a note from Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for wearing bright colors to stand out in a crowd.
This public appearance was particularly significant as it marked Kate’s first Trooping the Colour parade since her cancer went into remission. She had shared in January that it was a relief to be in remission and that she was focused on recovery, acknowledging that adjusting to a “new normal” takes time. While she resumed royal duties in September 2024, her return has been “careful and considered,” prioritizing her well-being.
The Kids Steal the Show: Louis’s Antics and George’s Big Brother Moments
As expected, the youngest members of the Wales family brought their usual charm and humor to the event. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis rode in an open-top carriage with their mother, Prince Louis, 7, immediately began “cheekily waving to the crowds”.
The brothers, George and Louis, shared their own matching moment, dressed in black suits, white dress shirts, and red ties. During the carriage procession, Louis’s “hilarious antics” truly stole the spotlight, as he appeared to copy his older brother George by putting his face in his hands, causing them both to giggle. Later, on the Buckingham Palace balcony, George slipped into “full big brother mode,” appearing to scold Louis, perhaps for having a little too much fun during the flypast. Despite the playful “scolding,” Louis ended his appearance with a sweet final wave to the cheering crowd.
Royal experts note that while George and Charlotte tend to be more stoic at these events, Louis consistently brings “mischief, hijinks, and humor”. He has been known to sway his hips to the music, play with curtain cords, and even yawn during past events, much to his mother’s amusement. It’s clear that William and Kate are raising their children with a “sense of normality” and prioritizing their well-being, breaking the traditional royal mold by being very involved parents. The children are described as “pretty happy with life,” thanks in large part to the “stabilizing normality Kate brings”.
King Charles III, whose actual birthday is in November, traditionally celebrates it in June for the more favorable London weather. Queen Camilla, meanwhile, wore a white dress with a large hat and her signature pearl jewelry. Other members of the Royal Family wore black armbands, a request from King Charles II, in remembrance of those killed in the Air India plane crash.
The 2025 Trooping the Colour was not just a parade; it was a testament to the enduring public appeal of the British Royal Family, showcasing their tradition, evolving dynamics, and delightful family moments.