For years, tradition has been a vital part of the royal family. Maintaining certain elements of the status quo hasn’t gone unchanged, despite so many moments of transition for the House of Windsor. One tradition Queen Elizabeth II held dearly is Trooping the Colour, a military ceremony that’s marked the celebration of the sovereign’s birthday for more than 250 years (and something King Charles III has determined to keep thriving). Trooping the Colour has been a staple of the royal family since the 1800s, but it was only within the last several decades that royal fans and the monarchy’s subjects got a glimpse of the royal family.
That’s right, we’re talking about those iconic photos of members of the House of Windsor gathered on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for photo ops, waving to the crowd, and watching the entire spectacle of Trooping the Colour unfold (if you’ve ever wondered why they’re all looking up, by the way — it’s to watch a fly-past of the Royal Air Force). Over the years, there’ve been some adorable snapshots of young Princes William and Harry — who could forget when Prince Harry stuck his tongue out when mom Princess Diana was holding him in 1988? But these photos have also served as a sort of time capsule, capturing the royal family and its prominent members year after year.
After two years without the iconic photo, and this year’s announcement that only working members of the royal family would appear on the balcony (sorry, Harry and Meghan). What will the photograph look like? Well, we’re about to find out! As we eagerly await more snapshots, take a look at photos from Trooping the Colour ceremonies past and present.
A version of this article was originally published on June 2022.
2024
Not only do we get that iconic balcony shot this year, but this is the first appearance Kate Middleton has made in six months!
(Almost) Full Family Photo in 2023
We adore this snapshot of the family for the 2023 Trooping the Colour parade. This photo includes favorite members like Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales and King Charles III with Queen Camilla.
Wales Children in 2023
Once again, the Wales children steal the show with their funny reactions!
Wales Children in 2023
Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales truly look like royalty in this super-sweet snapshot!
2022
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour. It was so amazing to see generations of the royal family together for such a special occasion.
Queen Elizabeth II in 2022
On June 2, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II returned to the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch Trooping the Colour. This was before working members of the royal family joined the sovereign on the balcony.
2020
2020 was much of the same. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trooping the Colour was canceled once again. Queen Elizabeth II marked her birthday with another small military ceremony at Windsor Castle.
2019
In 2019, Queen Elizabeth II was able to have the full parade and Trooping the Colour ceremony for her birthday. She was joined by a number of members of her family.
The Cambridges 2019
2019 also saw the entire Cambridge family enjoy the parade! And just look at Charlotte and Louis practicing their waves.
Meghan Markle in 2018
Meghan Markle only attended two Trooping the Colour ceremonies during her time as a senior member of the royal family. Here she is chatting with sister-in-law Kate Middleotn at the 2018 Trooping the Colour.
2018
The entire royal family gathered for the 2018 Trooping the Colour on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony. Goodness, that’s a lot of members of the House of Windsor!
2017
In 2017, the family was back on the balcony, this time with little Princess Charlotte and Prince George! George was obviously working on that wave.
2016
Here we have another snapshot of the royals during the 2016 Trooping the Colour.
2015
Back in 2015, a little Prince George got to enjoy one of his first of many Trooping the Colour ceremonies!
2014
In this 2014 photo from Trooping the Colour, nearly all the prominent members of the royal family can be seen — with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the front, of course.
2013
Queen Elizabeth II looked so elegant in her royal blue for Trooping the Colour in 2013.
2012
In this 2012 photo, all eyes were looking up during Trooping the Colour as the Royal Air Force flew past Buckingham Palace.
2011
In 2011, we really got to see just how many members of the royal family there are.
2010
Queen Elizabeth II broke out the pastels for 2010’s Trooping the Colour, wearing a lovely lavender hue.
2009
In 2009, practically every member of the royal family was in attendance for Trooping the Colour. Look closely and you can see Queen Elizabeth II waving!
2008
Although things didn’t look quite as bright and sun shiny in 2008, the royals nevertheless made their way to the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour.
2007
In 2007, the family chatted amongst themselves during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
2006
By 2006, everyone was looking up on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.
2005
This 2005 photo feels like a major throwback. Can you spot Prince William (and his full head of hair)?
2004
2004 gave us this snapshot of a smaller party for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
2003
Taking a break from balcony duty, Prince Harry and Prince William rode in a carriage together for the 2003 Trooping the Colour.
2002
Queen Elizabeth II gave fans a royal wave in this 2002 photo.
2001
In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, known as the Queen Mum, made an appearance at Trooping the Colour.
2000
Queen Elizabeth II rode solo in this 2000 photo after Trooping the Colour.
1999
It was practically all smiles on the Buckingham Palace balcony in this photo from the 1999 Trooping the Colour.
1998
Queen Elizabeth II directed everyone’s gaze upward in this 1998 photo from Trooping the Colour.
1993
Queen Elizabeth II looked like she was having a jolly good time in this photo from the 1993 Trooping the Colour.
1992
Nearly every royal lady brought out her best hat for 1992’s Trooping the Colour.
1988
Who could forget this iconic photo of Prince Harry being oh so cheeky at the 1988 Trooping the Colour?
1987
Princess Diana stood next to Queen Elizabeth II in this photo from 1987’s Trooping the Colour.
1986
In this 1986 snapshot from Trooping the Colour, Prince Charles and Princess Diana can be seen anxiously watching over one of their boys.
1985
In this 1985 photo from Trooping the Colour, Prince Charles expertly holds son Prince William, giving mom Princess Diana a bit of a reprieve.
1984
Princes Charles was back on dad duty in this 1984 Trooping the Colour photo, too!
1983
Queen Elizabeth II had a bit of a giggle in this 1983 Trooping the Colour photo.
1981
Princess Anne, Princess Diana, and Prince Charles chatted together in this 1981 photo taken during Trooping the Colour.
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