The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee kicked off this Thursday, with Trooping the Colour. The ceremony had the participation of over 1,200 soldies and officials, 250 horses, and hundreds of musicians, who paraded along The Mall, one of the most important avenues in London.
Trooping the Colour celebrates the birthday of Queen Elizabeth. Even though she celebrated her birthday this past April, every year, the ceremony is held in June. This tradition dates back to 1748 and was started by King George II. According to HELLO! the monarch feared catching a cold if the celebrations were held on his birthday, in November, so he decedided to combine his birthday celebration with the celebration of the arrival of Spring, known as Trooping the Colour. The tradition continues to this day, with this year’s ceremony coinciding with the Platinum Jubilee.
© GettyImagesTrooping the Colour ceremony, Camilla Parker and Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in an Alexander McQueen white coat and a Philip Treacy hat. She was joined by her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and the Duchess of Cornwall.
© GettyImagesPrince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte
George, Louis and Charlotte greeted the Trooping the Colour participants. The three kids wore different shades of blue.
© GettyImagesPrince Edward and his wife, the Countess of Wessex.
Prince Edward, Count of Wessex, beside his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The two head towards Buckingham Palace to accompany the Queen.
© GettyImagesPrince William, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
Prince Charles, Prince William and Princess Anne rode to the Horse Guards Parade, where Charles inspected the troops in the name of his mother.
© GettyImagesPrince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Usually, the Queen boards a carriage and travels alongside the main avenue. When she was younger, she used to participate in the parade atop of her horse. This year, the 96 year old Queen went directly to the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
© GettyImagesThe British Royal Family
From the main balcony at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family enjoyed the ceremony and the demonstration by the Royal Air Force.
The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Louis, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are all present in this image.
© GettyImagesThe British Royal Family
The complete Royal Family from the balconies of the Palace, made up of Prince Edward, Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Countess of Wessex, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Windsor, and the Count of Wessex.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex weren’t in the main balcony, but they were present in the event, watching the ceremony from a different part of the Palace. Prince Andrew wasn’t in the event due to a positive COVID-19 test.
© GettyImagesTrooping the Colour ceremony
Prince William stands by his kids and his younger cousins. At the right of the image, the Count and Countess of Wessex look at the planes flying over London.
© GettyImagesQueen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Queen Elizabeth talks to little Louis.
© GettyImagesQueen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth wore a light blue suit, matching gloves and hat and a collar of pearls. Months ago, the Queen said she was having difficulty moving around, which is why she now carries a cane for support.
