In pictures: Kate Middleton's best looks from Trooping the Colour throughout the years
Kate has appeared every year since 2011, except 2020 and 2021
As Trooping the Colour returns this month, royal watchers are reflecting on Kate Middleton’s most iconic appearances at the annual celebration of the monarch’s official birthday.
Since her debut in 2011, the Princess of Wales has consistently captivated audiences with her elegant fashion choices, often paying homage to British designers and royal traditions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of Kate’s most memorable appearances at Trooping the Colour.
Kate Middleton’s first Trooping the Colour appearance in 2011
Kate’s first Trooping the Colour in 2011 came just weeks after her fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey.
The new Duchess of Cambridge made her balcony debut in a tailored white coatdress by Alexander McQueen and a dramatic black hat by Sylvia Fletcher.
Her presence was elegant and symbolic of her new role in the royal family.
Kate Middleton wows in blue at Trooping the Colour 2012
A year later in 2012, Kate looked stunning in a light blue embroidered dress by Erdem with a matching headpiece.
Kate pregnant at Trooping the Colour 2013
As Kate’s family grew, Trooping the Colour became a family affair. In 2013, heavily pregnant with her son Prince George, Kate beamed in a soft pink Alexander McQueen coat.
Weeks later, on July 22, Kate gave birth to George – hers and William’s first child.
Kate all smiles at 2014 ceremony
A year later, in June 2014, Kate was all smiles and laughs on the palace balcony for the ceremony. She shared a laugh with both her husband Prince William and her brother-in-law Prince Harry.
Kate wore a brocade Alexander McQueen and a matching hat.
The following years saw her continue this blend of elegance and practicality.
In 2015, just weeks after her daughter Princess Charlotte’s birth, she wore a floral Catherine Walker coat and a wide-brimmed white hat. Kate looked radiant, despite the demands of new motherhood.
Kate and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour 2016
In 2016, she recycled her cream coat from Charlotte’s christening. This was a subtle reminder of how Kate values timeless pieces and sustainability.
These years also introduced fans to a growing royal family, with George and Charlotte making their balcony debuts.
Kate’s gentle touches, fixing Charlotte’s hair, guiding George’s hands, revealed her natural warmth and connection with her children, even under the public gaze.
Trooping the Colour 2017 to 2019
By 2017, Kate was a seasoned royal, and her Trooping the Colour looks reflected growing confidence. She stunned in a head-to-toe bubblegum pink ensemble by Alexander McQueen, complete with a structured dress and a Jane Taylor hat.
The bold colour was a departure from her usual pastels, signalling a new phase in her style evolution. Kate also coordinated her look with the young Princess Charlotte, the first of many.
In 2018, Kate chose a pale blue dress and matching head fascinator. She complimented her fellow royals as they gathered on the balcony for the queen’s official birthday. Her look was polished yet approachable, a hallmark of her public persona.
The Wales family make balcony appearance in 2019
And in 2019, Kate dazzled in a lemon yellow Alexander McQueen dress and matching Philip Treacy hat.
She and William appeared on the palace balcony with all three of their children, with their youngest Prince Louis making his debut.
Kate attending Trooping the Colour in 2022
The princess made her return to Trooping the Colour 2022, after the previous two years were more lowkey affairs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, Kate honoured Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee – marking her 70 years on the throne – in a white Alexander McQueen look. She paired the ensemble with a dramatic white and navy Philip Treacy hat.
Trooping the Colour took on even greater significance for Kate after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles’ accession in September 2022.
By 2023, as the Princess of Wales, Kate’s role was firmly established. She wore a striking green Andrew GN coat dress.
According to reports, green represented her colonelcy of the Irish Guards and is one of the colors of the flag of Wales, nodding to her new title.
Her choice of jewellery, sapphire and diamond earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, was a touching tribute to the family’s legacy.
Kate’s return to Trooping the Colour 2024
In 2024, after a period of public absence due to her cancer treatment, Kate made a triumphant return to Trooping the Colour. The world watched in admiration as she rode in the carriage with George, Charlotte, and Louis.
She wore a crisp white and navy Jenny Packham dress with navy bow details and a Philip Treacy hat. The appearance was particularly poignant. Watching her reunited with her family, beaming at her children, and sharing quiet moments with William spoke volumes about the strength of their bond.
As we look forward to this year’s Trooping the Colour, royal fans are eager to see how Kate will continue to evolve in her role.
Read more: Kate Middleton health: Mystery three-inch head scar, childhood operation and surgery
What do you think of Kate’s Trooping the Colour appearances? Are you excited for this year? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
