Trooping the Monarchy

Saturday 9th June 2018 marked Her Majesty The Queen’s 66th Official Trooping the Colour parade. A time honoured tradition of military splendour for which all the family dig out their finest hats, uniforms and poshest frocks to show the world how to do pomp and ceremony in style!

The Queen travelled solo to the event on Horse Guards Parade as her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, has now retired from public duty. Given that he will celebrate his 97th birthday on Sunday 10th June, I think he has earned his rest as consort and we will all wish him a very happy birthday, most likely celebrating quietly at home with his close family.
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Fresh from the news that Her Majesty had undergone a small cataract procedure in early May, she showed no signs of ill health as she processed down the Mall in a carriage looking resplendent in a Sky blue coat and dress by Stuart Parvin and a matching hat by Angela Kelly.

Now, for the newly returned honeymooners, this first official outing into the notoriously ‘iffy’ British summertime might prove tricky fashion wise especially for the new Duchess of Sussex.

I think its fair to say, we needn’t have worried. Only two official royal duties into her new role and she has already set the standard high. As with the Garden Party two weeks ago, she has shown the public that she has shaken off the ‘Markle Mantle’ and has stepped out confidently as a pure unadulterated Duchess.
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For both events, she chose hues of pastel pink and a matching manicure fitting in perfectly against the backdrop of a beautifully British summer’s day. Much has been made in the past about The Queen’s preference for Royal ladies to opt for a nude/natural nail colour recently, and so this time, seeing such a pop of colour on her fingers was a cute twist on an old tradition.

The Duchess of Sussex looked radiantly happy as any newlywed would, in a stunning off the shoulder dress suit by House of Herrera and a Phillip Treacy ‘Slice’ style hat. Accessorizing with a simple Carolina Herrera clutch and, adding to the glamour, a few of her favourite Birks rings sparkled in the June sunshine.
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The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Trooped their Colour before The Queen and the gathered crowds with their usual exacting standard of ceremonial precision and pride. Having been attached to the Coldstream Guards some years back as an Army Wife, I personally take a particular pleasure in seeing the regiment taking centre stage once more and I wholeheartedly applaud all who were involved directly and indirectly as I’m only too aware how much training and rehearsing the men and women of our Armed Forces go through to create this spectacular display of military magnificence.

For many a royal watcher, the highlight of the day is always the balcony appearance of all extended members of the family. And yet again the new Duchess navigated this with the grace and ease of any royal born princess. Notably, her subtle timing and delicate bob into a poised curtsy as Her Majesty returned back through the gates of the palace, was beautifully executed.

The little showstoppers, however, turned out to be the cheeky young royals who delighted the gathered crowds with their smiley little faces and obvious enthusiasm at the incoming RAF flypast.

Little Savannah Phillips taking centre stage between her two arguably more famous cousins, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, took everyone by surprise when she helped the Bandmaster conduct the massed bands rendition of God Save the Queen!! Clearly, Prince George’s singing wasn’t up to her exacting standard as she promptly covered his mouth!
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Always a summer favourite. Always a crowd pleaser. The appearance of so many royals both old and new was a glittering reminder of the way in which the House of Windsor is eminently marching forward, embracing a new generation of royalty, shaking off ghosts of the past and in turn securing their legacy on the world’s stage.  A wonderful celebration of Monarchy that will be one of the more memorable Trooping the Colour’s we’ve seen for a while.

I will be in Chester this Thursday 14th June looking closely to see exactly how Her Majesty and The Duchess of Sussex will work together and carve out a path that will encapsulate Meghan’s more modern approach entwined with the tradition and heritage of monarchy that we all look to The Queen for.
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Much has been said about Meghan being taken on this trip to ‘learn the ropes’ from Her Majesty. But I wonder, just maybe, if the Queen might be looking to learn a thing or two from her?!?