Trooping the Colour 2026: Princess Charlotte, King Charles & the Best Moments from Today's Ceremony
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Trooping the Colour 2026 took place today, Saturday June 13, in London. King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the annual birthday parade. Prince William rode on horseback in full military uniform alongside Princess Anne. Princess Charlotte wore a pale blue outfit coordinated with the Princess of Wales, who wore a baby-blue-and-white coat dress. The royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the traditional RAF flypast.
Every year Trooping the Colour produces the same images — the Mall lined with crowds, the carriages, the balcony — and every year it trends anyway, because the royal family's ability to fill a frame is unmatched. The 2026 edition was no different.
The talking point beyond the ceremony itself: Princess Charlotte's look. She coordinated with her mother, the Princess of Wales, who wore a baby-blue-and-white coat dress — described as one of her most elegant in years. Charlotte wore a matching pale blue dress and, during the carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace, was seen wearing a three-strand pearl bracelet. The Kensington Palace Instagram account moved fast with official photos, which is exactly why "Princess Charlotte Trooping the Colour" was trending at 2,000 searches within minutes of posting.
Prince William — On Horseback, In Uniform
Prince William rode his horse Darby for the parade this year — Kensington Palace shared an official photo of him departing Buckingham Palace in full military uniform which circulated immediately. It is one of those images that produces an immediate social media response regardless of political temperature. He was joined on horseback by Princess Anne, as has become tradition in recent years.
The Balcony Moment
The ceremony's unofficial climax is always the balcony appearance — the moment the family gathers to watch the RAF flypast. In 2026, the full Wales family appeared: William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis. Prince Louis, who has become the internet's unofficial balcony correspondent since his first appearance, did not disappoint. The family stood alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla for what has become one of the defining images of the modern monarchy.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is an annual military ceremony held in London to mark the official birthday of the British sovereign — even though King Charles's actual birthday is November 14. The tradition dates to the 17th century. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians participate. The ceremony begins at Buckingham Palace, proceeds down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, and concludes with the balcony appearance and RAF flypast. It is typically held on the second Saturday in June.
