Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made her highly anticipated return to royal engagements, marking her first public appearance since the birth of her son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The occasion was none other than the Trooping the Colour, a grand military parade celebrating the Queen’s official birthday.
Meghan Markle in a carriage with Prince Harry during Trooping the Colour.
The Duchess of Sussex, radiant in a navy ensemble by Givenchy and a matching hat by Noel Stewart, rode in a horse-drawn carriage alongside her husband, Prince Harry. The Queen, observing tradition, traveled separately to the parade ground.
This year’s Trooping the Colour was a spectacle of military precision and pageantry, featuring over 200 horses, 400 musicians, and 1,400 officers. The parade, steeped in over 260 years of history, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.
Following the parade, the royal family gathered on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony to witness a flypast by the Royal Air Force. Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, captivated onlookers with his enthusiastic waves during the aerial display.
The positioning of the royal family members on the balcony is a matter of protocol, reflecting the hierarchical structure of the monarchy. While some fans expressed disappointment that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were positioned towards the back, their presence was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated aspects of the day.
The Trooping the Colour is a highlight of the royal calendar, a joyous occasion that showcases the splendor and tradition of the British monarchy. For the Queen, it is a day of personal significance, marking not only her official birthday but also a celebration of her lifelong dedication to service and duty.
