Just yesterday, Trooping the Colour 2026 gave us another unforgettable royal fashion moment. Princess Kate’s stunning powder blue ensemble instantly dominated headlines, social media feeds, and royal fashion discussions around the world. But while everyone is talking about the latest looks, it got me thinking, Trooping the Colour has been serving incredible fashion moments for decades.
Some of these looks sparked trends, some paid tribute to royal tradition, and a few have become so iconic that royal fans still talk about them years later. So today, we’re looking back at the 12 best-dressed royals ever seen at Trooping the Colour. Princess Diana, 1988. When it comes to Trooping the Colour fashion, very few royal looks are as instantly recognizable as Princess Diana’s stunning 1988 appearance.
By the late 1980s, Diana had fully embraced bold colors and statement tailoring, and this emerald green ensemble remains one of her most memorable balcony moments. Honestly, it’s the kind of outfit that would still turn heads if it appeared at a royal event today. For the 1988 Trooping the Colour ceremony, Diana wore a striking Catherine Walker coat dress in a vibrant emerald green shade.
The structured design featured crisp white lapels and cuffs that created a beautiful contrast, making the outfit stand out even among a sea of royal fashion. One of my favorite details has to be the oversized bow at the waist. Not only did it add a touch of femininity, but it also softened the sharp tailoring of the coat dress and gave the look a more playful, elegant feel.
Of course, no Diana outfit was complete without the perfect hat. She paired the ensemble with a coordinating wide-brimmed Philip Somerville hat featuring a white band that tied the entire look together beautifully. Unlike many of her more glamorous evening appearances, Diana kept her accessories relatively simple. She opted for her signature pearl choker, delicate earrings, and a classic gold watch, allowing the bold color of the outfit to remain the main focus.
And here’s a detail that royal fans absolutely loved. Standing beside her on the Buckingham Palace balcony was a young Prince Harry wearing a pastel green outfit that perfectly coordinated with his mother’s look, creating one of the sweetest family fashion moments of the day. Elegant, vibrant, and unmistakably Diana, this remains one of the most iconic Trooping the Colour outfits ever worn.
Princess Anne, 1980. If there’s one royal who has been quietly mastering sustainable fashion long before it became trendy, it’s Princess Anne. At the 1980 Trooping the Colour ceremony, she stood out from the crowd by skipping a military-inspired look and instead embracing a chic, fashion-forward ensemble that perfectly reflected the style of the era.
And honestly, more than four decades later, it still looks incredibly sophisticated. For the occasion, Anne wore a striking mustard yellow coat dress tailored close to the body for a sleek and polished silhouette. The vibrant color immediately caught attention, while a row of bold gold buttons running down the front added a touch of glamour and structure.
The coat was cinched at the waist with a matching belt, creating an elegant shape that felt both regal and modern. Underneath, she layered a patterned high-neck silk dress, adding depth and a subtle pop of contrast to the look. What I especially love about this outfit is the attention to detail. Her matching yellow hat wasn’t just perfectly coordinated, it actually featured a patterned underside that echoed the print of her inner dress, creating a beautifully thought-out head-to-toe ensemble.
While many royal looks are worn once and archived forever, Princess Anne continued bringing this coat dress back again and again over the decades. She rewore it to events including the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, and most famously in 2015, an incredible 35 years after its Trooping the Colour debut. That commitment to re-wearing her wardrobe has become one of Princess Anne’s trademarks and is a big reason why she’s now considered one of the original champions of sustainable royal fashion.
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Stylish, practical, and decades ahead of its time, this remains one of Princess Anne’s most iconic Trooping the Colour looks ever. Princess Kate, 2016. If there’s one thing Princess Kate does exceptionally well, it’s making a recycled outfit look just as exciting as a brand new one. For the 2016 Trooping the Colour ceremony, which also marked Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 90th birthday celebrations, Kate proved that elegance doesn’t always require a new wardrobe.
Instead, she brought back one of her most beautiful Alexander McQueen designs and somehow made it feel completely fresh. The cream coat dress featured everything we’ve come to associate with Kate’s signature style, impeccable tailoring, a defined waist, and a timeless fit-and-flare silhouette. The exaggerated folded collar added a touch of sophistication, while the structured shape created an effortlessly polished royal look.
What’s especially interesting is that royal fans immediately recognized the outfit. Kate had first worn the exact same coat dress at Princess Charlotte’s christening the previous year, making this one of her most memorable royal re-wears. But while the dress may have been familiar, the accessories completely transformed the look.
The real star of the outfit was her stunning Philip Treacy hat. The pale pink saucer style design featured beautiful oversized floral details underneath the brim, adding softness, texture, and just the right amount of drama. Every time she turned her head, the floral details seemed to come to life. She paired the ensemble with elegant pearl drop earrings and her trusted Mulberry clutch, keeping the accessories refined and classic.
To complete the look, her hair was styled in a sophisticated side-swept braided bun, perfectly designed to showcase the statement hat while maintaining a graceful royal finish. Elegant, timeless, and a masterclass in sustainable royal fashion, this remains one of Princess Kate’s most memorable Trooping the Colour appearances, and proof that sometimes the best outfits are the ones worth wearing twice.
Meghan Markle, 2018. I know this look is a little controversial, but honestly, that’s part of what makes it so memorable. For her very first Trooping the Colour appearance in 2018, just weeks after marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle stepped onto the Buckingham Palace balcony wearing a custom Carolina Herrera ensemble that immediately got everyone talking.
The soft blush pink outfit featured a structured top and matching flowing skirt, but the detail that made headlines around the world was the off-the-shoulder neckline. It was a bold choice for such a traditional royal event and instantly divided opinion. Some critics felt it broke from royal convention, while others praised it for bringing a fresh, modern touch to royal fashion.
Personally, I think that’s exactly why this outfit stands out years later. While many Trooping the Colour looks blend together, this one sparked conversation from the moment Meghan arrived. The design itself was elegant and beautifully tailored, featuring oversized asymmetrical buttons down the front and a soft feminine silhouette that perfectly complemented the pale pink shade.
She completed the look with a matching Philip Treacy hat, minimal jewelry, and a neutral clutch, keeping the focus firmly on the outfit itself. For her beauty look, Meghan wore her hair down in glossy, softly curled waves, rather than her usual messy bun, while her fresh makeup allowed her natural freckles to shine through.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Meghan’s Trooping the Colour 2018 talked about royal fashion moments of the modern era, and that’s exactly why it deserves a place on this list. Princess Kate, 2019. If I had to pick one word to describe Princess Kate’s 2019 Trooping the Colour look, it would be sunshine.
Among all the blues, creams, and pastels typically seen at royal events, Kate’s soft yellow ensemble instantly stood out and brought a fresh burst of color to the Buckingham Palace balcony. It was elegant, cheerful, and perfectly suited for a summer celebration. For the 2019 Trooping the Colour parade, Kate wore a custom Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton, the same designer behind her famous royal wedding gown.
The pale yellow design featured a sharp V-neckline, structured collar, delicate button detailing, and a beautifully pleated skirt that moved gracefully as she walked. What I especially love about this outfit is how polished every single detail felt. Nothing was overdone, yet everything worked perfectly together.
The standout accessory was her stunning Philip Treacy fascinator, decorated with oversized fabric flowers tucked beneath the brim. Interestingly, royal fashion fans quickly recognized the piece because Kate had previously worn the exact same hat at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.
It’s a great example of her well-known habit of re-wearing favorite pieces rather than constantly debuting new ones. To accommodate the dramatic fascinator, her hair was styled into an intricate low side bun, creating one of her most elegant trooping hairstyles. The jewelry added an extra touch of royal history. Kate wore the beautiful Bahrain pearl drop earrings from the royal collection, a treasured piece once owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
She also debuted a delicate diamond cross necklace that sat perfectly within the neckline of the dress. Finished with a matching Alexander McQueen clutch, the entire look felt timeless, sophisticated, and effortlessly regal. Queen Elizabeth II, 2022. This outfit wasn’t just beautiful, it was historic. The 2022 trooping the color marked Queen Elizabeth II’s final appearance at the celebration she had attended for decades, making this one of the most emotional fashion moments in royal history.
And fittingly, she chose a look that was elegant, timeless, and unmistakably Queen Elizabeth. For the occasion, Her Majesty wore a soft ice blue ensemble designed by her long-time dresser Angela Kelly. The delicate shade stood out beautifully against the Buckingham Palace balcony and perfectly reflected the Queen’s lifelong love of bright, visible colors that allowed crowds to spot her from a distance.
The tailored coat and matching dress featured intricate pearl and diamante embellishments along the collar, front, and cuffs, adding just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming the classic design. The silhouette itself was instantly recognizable, a structured coat neatly tailored through the shoulders and falling below the knee, a style that had become one of the Queen’s signatures throughout her reign.
She paired the outfit with a coordinating hat, also designed by Angela Kelly, featuring matching pearl and diamante detailing that beautifully tied the entire ensemble together. But, as always with Queen Elizabeth, the accessories carried deeper meaning. Pinned to her coat was the Brigade of Guards brooch, a treasured piece representing the five regiments of the Household Division.
It had become her traditional choice for Trooping the Colour over many years, making it a particularly fitting selection for her final appearance at the event. She also wore her beloved three-strand pearl necklace, matching pearl earrings, and her signature white gloves, pieces that had become instantly associated with her royal image.
One detail that many people noticed was her orange-tinted sunglasses, worn to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Rather than taking away from the look, they added a surprisingly modern touch to the Queen’s classic style. Looking back, this outfit feels even more special knowing it was her final Trooping the Colour appearance.
Elegant, dignified, and full of symbolism, it was a perfect reflection of the monarch who defined the event for more than 70 years. Princess Kate, 2023. This wasn’t just a beautiful outfit, it was a statement. The 2023 Trooping the Colour marked Princess Kate’s first appearance at the event as the new Colonel of the Irish Guards, and she made sure her outfit reflected the significance of the moment.
Dressed head to toe in vibrant green, she delivered one of the most symbolic and memorable looks of her royal career. For the occasion, Kate wore a custom Andrew Gn coat dress in a rich emerald green shade that immediately stood out on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The structured silhouette featured a clean neckline, long sleeves, and sparkling crystal buttons that added just the right amount of glamour without distracting from the bold color.
Honestly, this is one of those outfits where the color does most of the talking. The striking green wasn’t chosen by accident. It served as a tribute to her new role with the Irish Guards and also subtly echoed Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, which was heading to Singapore later that year. She paired the coat dress with a perfectly matching Philip Treacy hat, creating a sleek monochromatic look that felt both modern and regal.
But my favorite details were the accessories. Kate wore the famous sapphire and diamond earrings once owned by Princess Diana, adding a sentimental connection to the late Princess of Wales. She also pinned the Irish Guards regimental brooch to her lapel, proudly highlighting her new military appointment.
While Princess Charlotte complemented her mother in a white dress with delicate green embroidery, creating a beautifully unified family appearance. Elegant, meaningful, and impossible to miss, this was more than just a fashion moment. It was Kate stepping confidently into one of her most important royal roles, and she looked every bit the part.
Princess Charlotte, 2024. I know Trooping the Colour is usually all about the senior royals, but in 2024, Princess Charlotte quietly delivered one of the sweetest fashion moments of the entire event. At just 9 years old, Charlotte showed that she’s already becoming a style icon in her own right, stepping out in a beautifully tailored navy sailor dress that perfectly balanced royal tradition with timeless elegance.
The custom dress featured a classic nautical-inspired design, complete with crisp white trim along the sailor collar and cuffs. A delicate white bow at the neckline added an extra touch of charm and tied the whole look together beautifully. But what made this outfit truly special was the coordination with her mother.
While Princess Kate wore a sophisticated white Jenny Packham dress accented with navy detailing, Charlotte wore the exact reverse color palette. The mother-daughter duo looked effortlessly coordinated without appearing overly matched, creating one of the most memorable family fashion moments of the day. Charlotte completed the look with classic white Mary Jane shoes, a timeless choice that perfectly suited the traditional feel of the outfit.
Her hair was styled in a sleek half-up, half-down look with a neat center part finished with a large white bow at the back. Honestly, it was such a simple detail, but it added the perfect youthful touch and made the look feel unmistakably Charlotte. What I love most about this outfit is how it honored long-standing royal traditions while still feeling fresh and age-appropriate.
Elegant, polished, and incredibly sweet, it proved that Princess Charlotte is already following in her mother’s fashionable footsteps. Duchess Sophie, 2025. I don’t think the Duchess of Edinburgh gets enough credit for her fashion choices, but her 2025 Trooping the Colour look was impossible to overlook. While many royals opted for softer summer shades, Sophie embraced a rich emerald green palette that felt both regal and incredibly elegant.
It was one of those outfits that immediately caught your eye without ever feeling over the top. For the occasion, she wore a beautiful silk midi dress by Suzannah London. The jewel-tone design featured a refined silhouette and graceful three-quarter length puff sleeves that gave the outfit a timeless royal feel while still looking modern.
She paired the dress with a matching pillbox hat, creating a polished monochromatic look from head to toe. With her hair swept into a sophisticated updo, the attention remained firmly on the neckline and the spectacular jewelry. And honestly, the jewelry is what takes this outfit to another level. The icy blue gemstones created a gorgeous contrast against the deep green dress and added a touch of royal glamour that was impossible to miss.
What I love most about this outfit is how effortlessly it balanced elegance, tradition, and royal history. Sophie’s style is often understated, but this look proved that sometimes sophistication speaks louder than drama. Rich, regal, and beautifully accessorized, this was easily one of the standout Trooping the Colour looks of 2025.
Princess Kate, 2025. If there was one royal look that completely stole the show at Trooping the Colour 2025, it had to be Princess Kate’s stunning aquamarine ensemble. The moment she stepped into the carriage, it was impossible not to notice the vibrant color. Elegant, confident, and instantly eye-catching, the outfit felt like a perfect reminder of why Catherine remains one of the most influential royal style icons in the world.
For the occasion, she wore a bespoke Catherine Walker coat dress in a rich aquamarine shade. The structured design featured crisp ivory lapels and cuffs, creating a striking contrast that made the outfit stand out beautifully against the crowd. But, here’s what’s really interesting. Royal fashion fans quickly noticed that the look appeared to pay tribute to Princess Diana.
The color combination and silhouette closely echoed a famous turquoise and white Catherine Walker outfit Diana wore during her 1992 visit to India, making this feel like a subtle and meaningful nod to her late mother-in-law. Kate paired the coat dress with a coordinating Juliette Botterill hat featuring an elegant sculptural bow detail.
The hat added just the right amount of drama while maintaining the polished sophistication that has become her trademark. The jewelry choices carried their own royal significance as well. She wore Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Bahrain pearl and diamond drop earrings, adding a touch of royal heritage to the modern look.
Pinned to her lapel was the Irish Guards regimental brooch, reflecting her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards. And then there was one of the sweetest details of the day, the mother-daughter coordination. Princess Charlotte appeared alongside Kate wearing a dress in a matching aquamarine palette, creating a beautifully coordinated family moment that royal fans immediately loved.
Without being identical, their outfits complemented each other perfectly and added an extra layer of charm to the occasion. Duchess Sophie, 2026. Sometimes the most elegant outfit in the room isn’t the brightest or the most heavily embellished. It’s the one that’s effortlessly sophisticated, and that’s exactly what the Duchess of Edinburgh delivered at Trooping the Colour 2026.
While many royals embraced bold colors, Sophie went in the opposite direction, proving that quiet luxury can be just as powerful. Her crisp ivory ensemble looked polished, timeless, and incredibly chic from every angle. For the occasion, she wore a Roland Mouret midi dress in a clean off-white shade.
The design featured a sharp collar, short sleeves, and a structured belted waist that created a beautifully tailored silhouette. It was simple, refined, and the kind of outfit that didn’t need excessive embellishments to make an impact. What makes the look even more impressive is that it wasn’t brand new. In true sustainable fashion fashion, Sophie had previously worn the dress during Easter celebrations in 2025, showing once again why she’s become one of the royal family’s most underrated style stars.
She paired the dress with a matching Jane Taylor fascinator featuring sculptural floral details and delicate feather accents. The headpiece added just enough drama while maintaining the elegant simplicity of the overall look. The accessories were equally sophisticated. Pinned to her lapel was her beloved diamond rose brooch, a piece that has become one of her signature jewels over the years.
She also wore diamond and pearl earrings and a diamond set bracelet that added subtle sparkle against the ivory fabric. What I personally love about this look is how effortless it feels. There are no loud colors, no dramatic silhouettes, and no over-the-top embellishments. Just beautiful tailoring, thoughtful styling, and timeless elegance.
Princess Kate, 2026. And topping the list is none other than Princess Kate’s breathtaking 2026 Trooping the Colour appearance. Honestly, the moment she stepped into view, it felt like a future royal fashion classic had been born. Elegant, timeless, and filled with subtle tributes, this was the kind of outfit that reminded everyone why Catherine is considered one of the most influential royal dressers of her generation.
For the occasion, the Princess of Wales wore a custom Catherine Walker coat dress in a beautiful powder blue shade accented with crisp white lapels, cuffs, and trim. The tailored silhouette was sophisticated and polished, but what made the outfit even more special was the story behind it. Royal fashion watchers immediately noticed the resemblance to a famous Catherine Walker ensemble worn by Princess Diana in 1987.
Rather than being a direct copy, it felt like a modern reimagining of one of Diana’s most beloved royal looks. A subtle tribute that added emotional significance to an already stunning outfit. Kate completed the ensemble with a matching Philip Treacy hat featuring elegant white detailing and sculptural accents that perfectly complemented the coat dress.
As always, every element looked meticulously coordinated. The accessories carried meaning as well. Pinned to her lapel was the Irish Guards brooch representing her role as Colonel of the regiment while her pearl bracelet once belonged to Princess Diana herself. Together, the pieces beautifully connected the past and present generations of royal women.
Her hair was swept into a flawless low bun allowing the dramatic hat and elegant jewelry to take center stage while her soft makeup palette kept the overall look fresh and refined. And then there was the family coordination. Prince George and Prince Louis wore matching baby blue ties while Princess Charlotte echoed her mother’s color palette in a white dress accented with soft blue details.
Charlotte even mirrored Kate by wearing a pearl bracelet and pale pink manicure creating one of the sweetest mother-daughter fashion moments of the entire event. What I love most about this look is that it accomplished everything a great royal outfit should. It honored tradition, paid tribute to royal history, coordinated beautifully with the family, and still felt completely modern.
From Princess Diana’s unforgettable 1980s fashion moments to Princess Kate’s modern royal masterpieces, these outfits prove that Trooping the Colour has given us some of the most iconic royal fashion moments ever seen. Of course, royal style is always a matter of personal taste. So now I want to hear from you.
Which look was your favorite? Do you agree with Princess Kate taking the top spot or would you have crowned another royal as number one? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more royal fashion rankings, royal history, and style countdowns.
