Trooping the Colour 2026 LIVE: Senior royal caught on his phone during Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

Some royal fans wonder why Princess Anne doesn't dress like other royal ladies during Trooping the Colour - this is because she was Colonel of the Blues and Royals, find out more in our Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor's in depth article

The Princess of Wales wore her trusted Cassandra Goad earrings for Trooping the Colour. She first wore them to Prince Louis's christening back in 2018, and they retail for £4,360. 

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Prince George and Princess Charlotte sat together during this year's carriage ride and showed off their close bond, chatting throughout the journey to Horse Guards Parade. While George looked smart in a suit and baby-blue tie, Charlotte wore a gorgeous white dress adorned with delicate blue details, perfectly coordinating with her brother's tie, Prince Louis's tie and the Princess of Wales's elegant baby-blue outfit. 

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A lovely moment captured by photographers, showing the Princess of Wales and her three children in their carriage.

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How grown-up does eight-year-old Prince Louis look today at Trooping the Colour? We love this close-up of the young royal! 

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King Charles sweetly acknowledged his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, as they took their seats at Horse Guards Parade. The pair share a wonderful relationship, and it's clear to see in this photo! 

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Prince William rode Darby during this year's parade, and how do we know it's the Prince of Wales? Well, that beard is a bit of a giveaway! 

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Of course, Trooping the Colour had a touch of drama, with a small group of protesters gathering on The Mall. Protesters were pictured holding placards featuring images of Prince Andrew and the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. One yellow placard read: 'Down with the Crown.

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The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are among the other senior members of the royal family attending Trooping the Colour this year, with the pair riding in the No. 2 Barouche carriage. A special shout-out to the Duchess's polka-dot dress! 

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The King and Queen coordinated in matching red ensembles for Trooping the Colour. King Charles is wearing the uniform of this year's trooping regiment, the Grenadier Guards, while Queen Camilla has paid tribute to the regiment with a Fiona Clare dress, a Philip Treacy black beret adorned with a white plume, the Grenadier Guards cap badge and a Grenadier Guards brooch.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a gorgeous white ensemble for Trooping. Prince Edward's wife is sharing a carriage with Sir Timothy Laurence, as both of their spouses are riding on horseback.

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Sir Keir Starmer and his wife are in attendance today. The Prime Minister has already taken his seat at the Horse Guards Parade to watch the full spectacle.

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The Prince of Wales, Colonel, Welsh Guards, is wearing the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards.
He is also wearing the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George and a Welsh Guards Sword.
As for his medals, he is wearing: the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, plus the Coronation Medal (observed L to R)

The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she rode in the Ascot Landau with her three children, and this year Prince Louis had the honour of sitting next to her. Last year, it was Princess Charlotte who had that honour! 

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The King, Colonel in Chief of the Household Division, is wearing the Uniform of the Regiment Trooping the Colour which is the Grenadier Guards (Grenadier Guards Tunic and Forage Cap). The Sovereign wears the uniform of whichever Regiment’s Colour is being trooped. The King is wearing the following medals:
- Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand, Extra Companion (1983)
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Medal (1953)
- Silver Jubilee Medal (1977)
- Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
- Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
- Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022)
- Long Service Good Conduct Medal (Royal Navy) (3 x Award Bars) (2016)
- Canadian Forces Decoration (3 x 2nd Award Bars) (1991)
- The New Zealand Commemorative Medal (1990)
- New Zealand Armed Forces (2012).

His Majesty is also wearing the following decorations: the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George. The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (Knight.), The Honourable Order of the Bath (Military).

The Princess of Wales and her children are riding in the Ascot Landau. Many royal watchers will know why the Ascot Landau is so special, but for those who don't, here are some facts.

In coachbuilding, a landau is a four-wheeled luxury carriage with a roof that can be let down. The Ascot Landau, one of five kept by the Royal Mews and purchased during the reign of Queen Victoria, is a wonderfully bright, small, lovely carriage, which chiefly features in the Carriage Procession during The Royal Meeting at Ascot every year. The Ascot Landau is often drawn by the famous Windsor Greys. Windsor Grey Horses play an important role in the ceremonial life of the Royal Family and the nation and have been drawing the carriages of successive Monarchs and members of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's Reign.

As Trooping gets underway there are lots of details we can finally share, including what horses the royals are riding. The Prince of Wales is riding Darby, The Princess Royal is riding her favourite, Noble and The Duke of Edinburgh is riding Sir John.

The Princess of Wales always wears the most gorgeous hats, and for today's Trooping the Colour she has chosen a stunning design by Philip Treacy. 

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The Princess of Wales is wearing her Irish Guards Regimental Brooch for the third Trooping in a row. The Princess is the Colonel of the Irish Guards, a prestigious military appointment she took over from her husband, Prince William, in December 2022. 

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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have arrived at Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour. The Duke is wearing the full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Scots Guards. 

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Crowds are gathering along The Mall, ready for the spectacle. It's a gorgeous sunny day in London, with thankfully no rain. However, it is very windy, so no doubt the ladies will be holding on to their hats, especially when they step out onto the balcony!

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So, who is the Princess of Wales wearing today? Well, none other than Catherine Walker, one of her favourite designers. We can't wait to see the full look! 

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The Princess of Wales is wearing the most gorgeous baby-blue outfit, and of course Prince George's tie perfectly matches her look! We love it when the family coordinates so effortlessly.

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The Wales family have been pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour. The family could be seen, looking stunning, being driven in through the main gate of the royal residence. We also got the first look at their outfits!

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Good Morning, royal watchers. It's Andrea here, Best Quality Designer Handbag 's Digital Content Director, and host of Best Quality Designer Handbag 's royal podcast, A Right Royal Podcast.

I will be taking you through all the exciting details of this year's Trooping the Colour, in honour of the King's birthday. While things aren't set to kick off for a few hours, we cannot contain our excitement. 

Today, you can expect an epic ceremony staged by some of the military’s most prestigious regiments, which will see the senior royals proceed along the Mall. 

While the King, Queen, and the likes of the Princess of Wales - who will likely be joined by her children - are guarded by a Sovereign’s Escort, Prince William is expected to be riding in the formation alongside his aunt, Princess Anne and uncle, Prince Edward.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates!