Few royal events fuse pageantry and personal style quite like Trooping the Colour. From the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the carriages along The Mall, the annual parade marks the sovereign’s official birthday, but it has also become a showcase for royal fashion through the ages.

From the steadfast glamour of a young Princess Elizabeth to Princess Diana’s bold ’80s style, and the elegance of today’s Princess of Wales, the sartorial story of Trooping the Colour is as rich as the history it honours.

1940s-1950s: A princess in uniform

The modern fashion narrative arguably begins in the 1940s, when Princess Elizabeth rode side-saddle in the uniform of the Grenadier Guards. It was a powerful image – composed, dutiful and unmistakably royal.

As HELLO!‘s Royal Editor Emily Nash notes: “The late Queen sitting side-saddle in her uniform set the scene for many parades to follow and for her and her daughter the Princess Royal, military uniform was the go-to for the event.”

For the future Queen Elizabeth II, uniform was more than attire, it was a visible expression of duty. Later, as monarch, her preference shifted to brightly coloured coat dresses and coordinating hats, ensuring she was easily visible to crowds. Yet the message remained the same – service first, spectacle second.

1960s–1970s: Tradition takes shape

As the decades progressed, Trooping fashion settled into a recognisable formula. Senior royal women embraced structured tailoring, colours and prints, demure hemlines and statement millinery.

While the Queen and Princess Anne frequently appeared in military uniform, reflecting their ceremonial roles within the Armed Forces, other female members of the family embraced the formal elegance expected of the occasion. “There was more scope to have a bit of fun, even in formal day dress,” Emily explains.

The result was a balance between tradition and individuality, with carefully planned outfits providing a softer contrast to the military spectacle unfolding below.

1980s: Diana’s moment

No decade altered the visual language of Trooping quite like the 1980s, thanks in large part to Diana, Princess of Wales. Her appearances were nothing short of showstopping.

“Princess Diana’s 1980s styles – complete with huge shoulder pads, ruffled collars and bold polka dots – were always eye-catching,” Emily says.

Whether in colour-block Catherine Walker suits or dramatic hat-and-coat combinations, Diana embraced the era’s exuberance. Oversized silhouettes and playful detailing ensured she stood out, even amid the pomp of the parade.

Her looks weren’t just fashionable, they were formative. The photographs from those years remain some of the most enduring in royal style history, often revisited and, occasionally, respectfully reimagined.

2010s–2020s: A new generation 

With the arrival of Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Princess of Wales) on the royal stage, Trooping the Colour entered a new sartorial chapter. Chic, diplomatic and impeccably tailored, her outfits quickly became a highlight of the royal calendar.

Some ensembles have appeared to pay tribute to her late mother-in-law. “Her 2025 turquoise Catherine Walker outfit resembled one Diana wore to the same event in 1988,” says Emily.

These subtle echoes demonstrate how Trooping fashion can honour both regimental history and family legacy simultaneously. Catherine’s preference for structured coat dresses, cinched waists and sculptural hats has cemented a silhouette that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne has remained steadfast in her commitment to military uniform, reinforcing the event’s roots in armed service. Her consistent choice underscores the enduring link between the royal family and the regiments they represent.

Fashion with meaning

Beyond aesthetics, what role does fashion truly play at Trooping the Colour? “Royal fashion at Trooping adds a degree of glamour and interest alongside the military spectacle at the heart of the event,” Emily explains. “But it is also a way of paying tribute to the guards on parade, either through the colour worn or in a more subtle nod, such as the colour of the plume in a hat or a regimental brooch.”

Indeed, sartorial symbolism is woven into every appearance. From carefully chosen shades that mirror regimental colours to heirloom brooches linked to specific units, each detail carries quiet significance. What may seem like a pastel coat at first glance can, in fact, be a thoughtful tribute.

Breaking the mould

While tradition reigns supreme, there have been moments of gentle deviation. “I think the younger generations have largely stuck to the formal, fairly conservative attire of previous years, with the exception perhaps of the Duchess of Sussex in 2018,” Emily notes.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex made headlines that year in a shoulder-bearing dress – an unexpected silhouette for such a formal daytime event. “Her off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress attracted some criticism at the time and the following year she covered up with short sleeves and a cape over the top,” Emily adds.

The moment illustrated how closely Trooping style is scrutinised, and how swiftly royal wardrobes recalibrate.

A look that stopped the nation

In recent years, one appearance stands above the rest. “The Princess of Wales’s in 2024 – her first in public appearance since she shared the news of her cancer diagnosis – is the most significant one we’ve seen in recent years,” says Emily. “Her elegant, monochrome Jenny Packham outfit is hugely memorable because of the emotional significance of that day. Her delight at being back and sitting alongside her children, after one of the hardest periods of her life, was clear to see.”

It was a reminder that fashion at Trooping the Colour is never just about clothes. It is about continuity, resilience and shared national moments. From the commanding image of a young Queen Elizabeth II in uniform to the modern poise of Catherine, Princess of Wales, the evolution of Trooping the Colour fashion mirrors the monarchy itself. It’s rooted in tradition, responsive to change, and always aware of the power of presentation.