What better way to kick off the Queen's Platinum Jubilee than her annual birthday parade, Trooping the Colour?
The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge travelled in a barouche carriage pulled by horses Shamus and St Ives.
And they were joined by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The trio made their Trooping carriage debut for the special occasion. It was a lovely surprise this morning.
The carriage departing Buckingham Palace.
Members of The Royal Family depart Buckingham Palace as they travel towards Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour. #PlatinumJubilee #HM70 pic.twitter.com/vwJsVu6mzZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 2, 2022
Buckingham Palace shared this view.
We saw a number of very sweet moments along the way. The Telegraph reports Charlotte said, "Wow", while Louis asked, "Mama, where does this stop?" Don't forget these expressions :)
'In one funny moment, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were enthusiastically waving to the crowd, until Charlotte decided to give herself a break. Louis, however, continued his gestures — until his big sister stopped him by taking his hand and placing it on his lap.
Undeterred, Prince Louis continued waving just a moment later.'
A video of the cute moment.
Princess Charlotte putting an end to the enthusiastic waving from her younger brother, Prince Louis. #PlatinumJubilee #HM70 #TroopingTheColour (No copyright breach intended. Copyright BBC Television) pic.twitter.com/oojLboe9wb
— Royal Reporter (@RoyalReporterUK) June 2, 2022
Prince George's godfather and William and Harry's mentor Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton commended the children: "I loved the way that they dipped their heads to the colour as they passed it; learning young. Absolutely right, fantastic."
Four days of jovial celebrations began this morning against the backdrop of an excited nation paying homage to a historic reign which in all likelihood will never be repeated. The four-day weekend lends itself perfectly to marking the occasion, and indeed a few days for people all over the UK to gather following two years of incredible difficulties and challenges will be welcome.
From now until Sunday evening, we will be treated to an unforgettable selection of events. From this morning's Trooping the Colour to the commanding lighting of the beacons tonight, royals will gather on the Parade Ground from Buckingham Palace to watch the lighting of the Principal Beacon at the palace -- a 21-metre tall Tree of Trees sculpture. Tomorrow will see a special service of thanksgiving at St Paul's before Saturday brings trips all over the UK by members of the Royal family. William and Kate are penciled in for Cardiff Castle in Wales. After that, it's the Epsom Derby (I'm not anticipating the Queen or the Cambridges for this one), and Saturday night will close with the Platinum Party at the Palace. On Sunday, Jubilee Big Lunches and street parties will culminate with the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
Trooping the Colour is an annual highlight on the summer calendar, promising a stunning display of pomp and pageantry in London. It's the first time it's been held since 2019.
Although the Queen's birthday is 21 April, it has long been tradition to celebrate the sovereign's birthday publicly on a day in June, when sunny weather is more likely. Her Majesty has attended Trooping the Colour every year since 1947 -- except in 1955 when a national rail strike cancelled the event.
Also travelling in a barouche were the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise and Viscount Severn.
Cleveland Bays Svjek and Zeno pulled their carriage.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The background of the prestigious annual event? Trooping the Colour actually originated in traditional preparations for battle. Colours, or flags, were trooped down the rank so they could be seen by the soldiers. In 1748, it was announced the parade would also mark the sovereign's official birthday. Below, the Queen in 1931 with her grandmother Queen Mary and her mother the Duchess of York (later the Queen Mother).
More on the history of the day:
'The Sovereign's birthday is officially celebrated by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour (Queen's Birthday Parade). This impressive display of pageantry takes place on a Saturday in June by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with Her Majesty the Queen herself attending and taking the salute. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
During the ceremony, The Queen is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops. After the massed bands have performed a musical 'troop', the escorted Regimental Colour is carried down the ranks.The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty, and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past.The Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais.'
An enormous amount of planning and preparation goes into ensuring the annual event runs as smoothly as possibly.
Another video from the carriage procession.
The execution of each detail has been meticulous, in accordance with the significance of the Jubilee.
On horseback, Prince Charles, Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Prince William, Colonel of the Irish Guards; the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals.
The colour was trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, and more than 1,200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division will put on a display of military pageantry on Horse Guards Parade, together with hundreds of Army musicians and around 240 horses.
Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the Parade moved down the Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade.
All the nations of the United Kingdom are represented on this parade. Below, a soldier from the Coldstream Guards.
The British Army revealed: "The Major General Chris Ghika is in Command of all troops on parade for this and all the military aspects of the wider Platinum Jubilee Weekend."
Lieutenant Charles Bashall carried the Colour on parade on Thursday and said: "It is an incredible privilege to be part of the Trooping the Colour Parade for the Platinum Jubilee. I am extremely fortunate to be involved in the Platinum Jubilee especially as there may never be one again."
Commanding scenes.
Those who follow Kate's annual St Patrick's Day appearances will be familiar with the Irish Guards mascot, Turlough.
Taking a peek from the Major General's Office with Princess Beatrice and cousins.
Kate and the children watch the parade.
For her first balcony appearance, Her Majesty was joined by the Duke of Kent.
HM received a salute from her parading troops.
Catch a first glimpse of the #Queen as she steps out onto the balcony at #BuckinghamPalace to receive a salute from her parading troops.
— The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) June 2, 2022
Her Majesty is celebrating her #PlatinumJubilee with a special Trooping the Colour parade to mark her official birthday. pic.twitter.com/MhmaL3FCBU
The Queen was joined on the balcony afterwards by senior working members of the family...
... including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Cambridges and George, Charlotte and Louis, the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Wessexes with their children Louise and James.
We also saw the Gloucesters and the Kents.
Darling moments with Prince Louis.
A little chat with Gan-Gan :)
And a word from Mama :)
The event culminated with a stunning display by the Royal Air Force.
The then Princess Elizabeth accompanying her father King George VI in 1947.
During her reign The Queen has attended Trooping the Colour every year except 1955 when it was cancelled because of the general strike. Here, the then Princess Elizabeth accompanies King George VI on the way to Trooping the Colour in 1947. pic.twitter.com/rzKvP1clV5
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 9, 2018
The royals enjoying the flypast.
It has been a central annual milestone throughout the Queen's reign.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh leaving Buckingham Palace for Horse Guards in 1963.
Trooping the Colour 1976.
A family affair in 1989.
Her Majesty's Ruby Jubilee in 1992. I simply adore the millinery on display here.
Trooping in the year of the Golden Jubilee, 2002.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Trooping a decade ago, the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Her Majesty's 90th birthday was marked at the annual birthday parade in 2016.
Her Majesty looked regal and fabulous in the same dove blue Angela Kelly ensemble we saw her wearing for a new official portrait last night. The piece is made of Charmelaine wool embellished with pearl and diamante trim around the neckline and cascading down the front of the coat. HM accessorised with her Guards brooch.
The Duchess of Cornwall donned a blue striped Bruce Oldfield design and teamed it with a Philip Treacy hat.
Polka Popp notes Lady Louise chose a hat worn by her mother in 2009.
Trooping the Colour 2009 -> Trooping the Colour 2022
— Polka Popp (@polkadotpopp) June 2, 2022
Lady Louise Windsor is wearing her mum's Philip Treacy hat for today's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. pic.twitter.com/N1AA3fqhRY
Zara Tindall, pictured at an event before Trooping, sported the Beulah London Darsha dress.
Prince George looked very dapper in a suit, whilst Charlotte wore a lovely blue dress by Portugal-based brand Patachou. Louis was in a very familiar sailor suit...
Prince William wearing the outfit for Trooping in 1985.
The Duchess of Cambridge was radiant in white and blue.
'The earrings, featuring two sapphire and diamond clusters joined by a small diamond brilliant, come from the collection of Kate’s late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales. For several years people have speculated that these earrings were dismantled to create another sapphire pair worn by Kate. I’ve always believed they were two separate pairs of earrings, and I feel particularly vindicated today! Ha!'
Diana wearing the striking earrings at The Prince of Tides premiere.
Kate wore her sapphire and diamond pendant.
It's been exciting to hear from several of you travelling over for the Jubilee. The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic.
To say people are getting in the spirit would be something of an understatement.
It's a time to dress up.
And don't forget the corgis!
Portraits of Her Majesty have been projected onto Marble Arch.
To mark the #PlatinumJubilee, portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have been projected onto Marble Arch👑
— National Portrait Gallery (@NPGLondon) May 30, 2022
Alongside @theartofldn & @MarbleArchLDN, with the support of @EnglishHeritage & @CityWestminster, our Gallery lit up Marble Arch with 6 images of the Queen from our Collection✨ pic.twitter.com/iuEGh4SWPs
Across the country, talented crocheters and knitters have been getting to work.
It's a time to get creative.
And that means fashion, too.
Prince Charles got his dancing shoes on at a Jubilee tea dance at Highgrove.
Princess Eugenie was on hand to meet the winner of the Queen's Jubilee Emblem Competition at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Legoland in Windsor were busy.
Fabulous artwork from children and play specialists at Evelina London.
Tonight at 9.20 pm we'll see the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacons. The Queen, from Windsor, and the Duke of Cambridge, in London, will lead the event. I'm not sure if we'll see other royals in attendance. If not, tomorrow's service begins at 11 am. The Jubilee is off to an amazing start!
Excellent that the weather cooperated. Kate looked very crisp and pretty -- I like the hat. Isn't it by the same hat maker who made one for Meghan? I like when a hat compliments and becomes part of the outfit -- I don't hats that just perch on top of the head, unconnected. This was a great look for Kate. And everyone looked lovely. My only true dislike is Louise's hat. But then I'm American! :) It looks like a great success!
ReplyDeleteI kind of like how Lady Louise’s hat resembles a top hat. I think she’s wearing the same pink jacket that her mother wore as well.
DeleteI found the hats disappointing today. Meghan wore my least favorite, followed by Louise and Beatrice.
DeleteKate looked great. Her hair was excellent and I loved her earrings and necklace. She looked crisp and polished in all the photos.
That’s interesting. I thought the shape of Catherine’s hat resembled the one Meghan wore in 2019; and Meghan’s big hat looked like something Diana might have worn in the 80s.
DeleteI’m not 100% convinced Louis wore the same suit as William - in some pictures from today it looks like his is a seersucker fabric
ReplyDeleteIt’s my 50th birthday today and the best present was seeing the Queen and the Cambridge kids in the carriage on a sunny day with a huge crowd. I got up so early to watch! A lovely outfit and they all looked great. It’s neat to see a very different hat look for Catherine, and I really liked this white outfit from last summer as well. Such funny shots of Louis on the balcony, and it must be so hard in full sun to keep eyes open. Love the photos of them bowing their heads. Thanks Charlotte! Sue
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I hope your day is lovely.
DeleteCharlotte, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been ill & totally off my game & woke here in the USA having missed watching Trooping live! To say I was heartbroken was an understatement! But there you were with your amazing coverage & links to bring me up to speed!
ReplyDeleteIt was Absolutely Wonderful!! To see Her Majesty there on the balcony to take the salute was everything! Then joined by her family was the cherry on top!
Will & Kate….. I Can’t Even!!! What an Amazing Job they’ve done raising the children with such an incredible balance of a “normal life” & yet preparing them for their Royal one! They all were amazing & sweet Louis stole the show!! lol :)
Will & Kate both looked amazing & I was struck over & over by how wise & wonderful their “Long Game” really was! All those years when people were doubting them, they clearly always knew what they were doing! They stuck to their guns, paced themselves & the children & thus there is just this organic feeling that this is the right time for all of them. Nothing seems rushed. I got chills seeing William on horseback at Horse Guards (with the little ones peaking out the windows) & felt such pride in Kate as I watched her too. What an amazing job they have done preparing themselves & their children!
Becca USA
Great comment, Becca. Those kids are a testament to the upbringing that they have received from their parents.
DeleteBecca, I couldn't agree more!! So well said! ❤️ The whole event was amazing, the coordination incredible, the fantastic atmosphere manifesting itself every minute! I was completely overwhelmed by the sight of the planes forming the number 70 and watching Her Majesty enjoying the whole flypast!
DeleteI have to add I really liked Lady Louise in her mum's hat. In the photo of her next to James she looks smashing! And Sophie looked great too.
Hope the Jubilee raises your spirits, Becca, and you get better soon!
Becca, so well said! There definitely was a sense of pride in seeing William and Kate today and watching them evolve and grow all these years (I never doubted them from the beginning), and to see their children now seems like they have come full circle. I am very moved by this Trooping and loved seeing the Queen so happy and smiling.....a tribute well deserved. The Cambridge family looked beautiful and think very well coordinated. There are many moments with the children that were endearing, not least of which was when they bowed their heads to honor the color! Have to agree with you Zora, Lady Louise did look smashing! A wow moment for me, she looked so sophisticated and quite grown up. Have been loving Zara's looks of late, am quite in awe of her. Aside from being a historical moment, this Trooping feels much more intimate and personal than in the past, there is a feeling of not only love of a nation for their Queen, but love of a family for their grandmother. All the lovely photos of the children are wonderful and evoke a feeling of hope for the future. The Queen really does have a lovely family, and thank you Charlotte for all your work to share this moment with us.
DeleteI agree with your comment "this Trooping feels much more intimate and personal than in the past, there is a feeling of not only love of a nation for their Queen, but love of a family for their grandmother." I wonder if that has to be partly because they are all parents now as well. And perhaps coming out of the pandemic - missing the past two years - has made it symbolic and all in attendance.
DeleteCatherine looks fabulous. What a gorgeous outfit. Those earrings! Love everyone else also. Charlotte, George, Louis look so cute. I also believe Louise is wearing her Mother's hat and jacket. She looks very grown up, her brother looked great also. Sophie's dress was a fun fresh look. It was a great day of festivities and always fun to see the Royals on the balcony and all the interactions. Ali
ReplyDeleteWow Charlotte - splendid coverage. Now that I woke up in the night to 'watch' Trooping the Colour for the first time - it all makes sense. I absolutely loved Kate's look today - a repeat what's not to love. I remember that McQueen from the G2 Summit Reception. And agree with Allison, the hat really compliments the simplicity. And so happy to hear the comment from the Court Jeweller, "I’ve always believed they were two separate pairs of earrings, and I feel particularly vindicated today! Ha!'" Here, here - I agree. They looked spectacular and glad she had the necklace on as well.
ReplyDeleteI loved that HM had on the same style as in her portrait. Very elegant. Zara and Sophie looked lovely as well. I saw on Twitter that Meghan was also watching the event with Prince Harry. In a similar photo to the one you posted of Beatrice watching over the children. She had on a navy dress and a white/navy hat - I would have loved to see Kate and Meghan together as they complimented each other styles.
Lastly, in Her Majesty's Ruby Jubilee in 1992 photo posted above, you could do a side-by-side of Diana and Kate as their styles mirror each other. Loved it all - staying alert for all the other events to come.
Plus if I had not gotten up to watch, I might have missed the earthquake - 4.1 - that took place outside the Bay Area at 5:08am. :-)
Deletetoday, kate honoured diana in such a sweet way with her style, it is really a reflection of the 1992 look of diana!
DeleteKate looks amazing. Re-wears (with new hats) for the three duchesses today.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, Will there be a way to see the lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacon? Another live stream on your blog hopefully if possible? ❤️🙏🏼 I don’t think CBC in Canada 🇨🇦 is showing this event.
ReplyDeleteHello, here's a Livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Iu6n7CYAhY I'll be covering it tonight on the blog. It should be amazing.
ReplyDeleteKate’s look in my opinion isn’t her best, but the children are so sweet. I love Sophie’s outfit.
ReplyDeleteThat hat is amazing, my favorite that she has worn in a while!
ReplyDeleteAnd Sophie, my goodness, how pretty does she look?
So weird that this came up as Anonymous. It's Amy: Detroit
DeleteThanks for the excellent coverage Charlotte. I was moved to tears when Her Majesty came out on the balcony and the Queen looked on all her subjects cheering her on. She truly has been a wonderful Queen. It is nice to get a glimpse of Meghan playing with the Queen's great granchildren on your other blog too. Catherine looked beautiful in the carriage and it was nice to see her cute kids. Thank you also or sharing the nice photo of Zara she looked lovely. Looking forward to the next events including the concert coming up. Nice to see Prince Charles, William and Anne on the horses too it all went perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen looked amazing today. Her coat dress was beautiful on her. I think anything Angela makes for her is made with love. Great to see her looking so well. I just love that she gets to enjoy the next few days and it doesn't take too much out of her. The Duchess looked beautiful. The hat is stunning. Stylish, sharp and works really well with her outfit. Now down to business... The sapphires. I never thought that Diana's earrings were broken up. Regardless they look stunning on The Duchess. I'm delighted to see her finally wearing them. It was Diana's wish that her jewels would be worn and enjoyed by those who came after her. I'm hoping Catherine got the whole set of these sapphires for her 40th birthday or 10th wedding anniversary. Great to see the children today. Very well behaved and a credit to both parents. Can't wait to see the beacon being lit tonight. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteAll the Royal ladies look lovely. I particularly like Catherine’s new hat which takes her simple white coatdress up a notch.
ReplyDeleteKaren in Virginia.
Unfortunately The Queen will not be attending the thanks giving service tomorrow. Its a pity but I think much more important that she takes things easy over the weekend. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteI was really looking forward to this and I must say it was very nice, to see the main royals there, The Queen looked a bit tired and frail, but otherwise fantastic, her coat and dress combination always the best. Kate and Camilla always in style. Sophie looked very nice in deed, so did Louise, I just did not care for her hat, it looked like an ice bucket to me, OMO of course. The children have been a pleasure to watch, especially the little show stealer Louis, he looked great in his fathers Sailor suit.. Sadly the Queen won't be there tomorrow, hope she will be feeling better. Sadly only a glimps of Beatrice and Edo. Eugenie and Jack could have shown their faces.
ReplyDeletejust watched the light beacon ceremony it was nice to see the Queen make the walk when she was in pain she looked lovely in Queen. Prince William looked so happy at Buckingham Palace too with the beautiful tree another magical moment.
ReplyDeleteThe Tree of Trees looks fantastic outside the Palace. I can't wait to see it lighting in the dark. It will make a great centerpiece for the concert on Saturday. The Queen looked very well tonight at Windsor Castle. I don't think I have seen her wearing that brooch before. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the brooch as well. I was able to find "The Brigade of Guards Badge" which she wears at every Trooping. It's beautiful. The circle ornamental brooch worn in the evening looked like all diamonds.
DeleteWho are the two other children with William on the balcony in the photo from 1985?
ReplyDeleteHello, it's Zara and Davina (daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester).
DeleteThank you, Charlotte! I was thinking it would be amazing to see photos from all of HM's balcony appearances for Trooping the Colour and to see how the family grows and changes over the years.
DeleteAt what age do the young ladies get to wear a hat? Karen in California
ReplyDeleteCharlotte i was reading about Her Majesty walking stick. It was given to her by the British Army and is made from Hazelwood, which is a protective talisman and special meaning in English and Irish lore. . It also has an engraving with the army pledging their loyal support. I am sure you are busy but if you know of any other I formation about it could you share it? I think the sentiment is absolutely beautiful and it suits her so well.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen looked beautiful, I am so glad the Duke of Kent was on the balcony with her. Catherine looked beautiful, this white coatdress IMO looked much better this time round, with the Navy and white hat, double Sapphire and diamond earrings, wonderful combination. The subtle, refined Sapphire and diamond necklace was just enough. She looked very elegant. The children are a credit to their parents, they are a close knit well balanced family and it shows, Catherine and William have done a marvellous job raising them so well, especially in the public glare, not easy.
ReplyDeleteLovely. Kate's hat is a work of art. So perfectly neat. I like how the earrings balance what could have been a bit severe.
ReplyDeleteWow! Such a great and historic event! I am glad the weather was/is good and the atmosphere is so vibrant and positive. It looks as we 'are back to normal' after these last years... You are right Charlotte, it's really historic and we might not see another platinum jubilee. So, we are lucky to see and celebrate this, and lucky to have had this incredible woman as Queen.. I mean, I know its not 'my' Queen as I am in Italy, but I like her and respect so much for her sense of duty and what she has done.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the ladies re-wore outfits so the focus was entirely on the Queen.
So cute to see the little Cambridges, especially Prince Louis... So sweet! Can't wait to see other events in the coming days.
Could it be that re-cycling an outfit was requested in order to not overshadow the Queen? Or to show homage to her years? Both Kate & Camilla repeated outfitted, Louise recycled her mother’s hat (and possibly the jacket), Louie wrote his father’s outfit…just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThe Cambridge kids looked adorable. We’ve seen George in a suit in the past, Charlotte had a more age-appropriate dress & Louie was too cute for words in the sailor suit & his facial expressions.
the duchess is a queen of recycling the Cambridge's kida look fantastic and prince louie ois scene stealer
ReplyDelete