At the 2025 Trooping the Colour celebration in London, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte captured national and international attention with a meaningful tribute to her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Dressed in an elegant light teal outfit, the young royal paired her ensemble with a diamond horseshoe brooch that holds deep personal and historical significance.
A Sentimental Tribute Through Jewelry
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The brooch worn by Princess Charlotte was originally gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting a shared appreciation for tradition and heritage. The piece, shaped like a horseshoe and encrusted with diamonds, was first seen on Charlotte at the Queen’s state funeral in 2022. It is believed to have once belonged to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, making it a cherished heirloom passed through three generations.
The horseshoe design is widely understood as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong passion for horses, an interest she also shared with other members of the Royal Family.
A Coordinated Royal Look with the Princess of Wales
Princess Charlotte’s appearance at this year’s Trooping the Colour coincided with that of her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who wore a tailored blue coat dress by Catherine Walker, complemented by a hat from Juliette Botterill. The Princess of Wales also honored Queen Elizabeth II by wearing the Irish Guards regimental brooch and the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, originally gifted to the late monarch as a wedding present in 1947.
The coordinated styling between mother and daughter subtly reflected the continuity of royal legacy, especially in formal settings such as the Trooping the Colour.
Celebrating the Monarch’s Official Birthday
The Trooping the Colour ceremony, an annual event celebrating the sovereign’s official birthday, took place with traditional pomp and pageantry. The 2025 edition featured:
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Over 1,400 soldiers
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200 horses
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400 musicians
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A flypast by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows
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The Royal Family’s balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace
King Charles III, currently undergoing cancer treatment, made his appearance in a horse-drawn carriage rather than on horseback. His presence reaffirmed his commitment to public duties while continuing to focus on his health.
Who Was Missing from the Balcony?
Notably absent from the Royal Family’s public appearance were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Prince Andrew and his daughters. These omissions align with King Charles’ vision of a more streamlined monarchy, focusing on senior working royals and core family members.
A Growing Royal Presence
As Princess Charlotte continues to mature, royal watchers are increasingly attentive to her public appearances and evolving role within the monarchy. Her participation in ceremonies like Trooping the Colour provides a glimpse into the future of the Royal Family—and shows how traditions are being preserved through the younger generation.
Her choice to wear the symbolic horseshoe brooch underscores a deep respect for royal heritage and a meaningful connection to her late great-grandmother.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Trooping the Colour was a celebration steeped in tradition, symbolism, and a sense of continuity. Princess Charlotte’s attire, including the brooch gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, offered a touching tribute to royal legacy while reinforcing the bond between generations.
As the monarchy adapts to modern times and changing public expectations, events like this continue to remind the public of the Royal Family’s enduring commitment to service, symbolism, and national unity.
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