Kate Middleton Trooping the Colour 2025: Why This Year Felt Different

Kate Middleton Trooping the Colour 2025: Why This Year Felt Different

If you were watching the Mall in London on June 14, 2025, you probably felt it. That specific, high-voltage energy that only happens when the royal family actually shows up in full force. We’ve seen Trooping the Colour dozens of times. The horses, the bearskin hats, the Red Arrows—it’s a vibe. But Kate Middleton Trooping the Colour 2025 wasn't just another royal engagement.

Honestly, it felt like a massive exhale for the country.

Coming off the back of a really heavy 2024, the Princess of Wales basically reclaimed her spot as the monarchy’s "MVP." She didn't just show up; she looked genuinely healthy. Since announcing she was in remission back in January 2025, Kate has been easing back into things. But this? This was the "I'm back" moment.

The Aquamarine Look Everyone’s Obsessing Over

Let’s talk about the outfit because, let’s be real, that’s what half the internet was waiting for. Kate stepped out in this breathtaking aquamarine coatdress by Catherine Walker. It wasn't just a random blue. It was a very specific nod to the plume color of the Irish Guards—her own regiment.

She paired it with:

  • A wide-brimmed hat by Juliette Botterill.
  • Queen Elizabeth’s pearl drop earrings (a classic Kate move to honor the late monarch).
  • The Irish Guards regimental brooch.

There’s a bit of a debate online about whether she was channeling Princess Diana’s 1988 look. Some fashion experts, like those over at InStyle, definitely think so. The color was punchy, bright, and—interestingly—matched perfectly with Princess Charlotte.

That Balcony Moment and the "Look of Love"

The highlight for most fans wasn't the parade itself, but a split-second photo that went viral. While riding in the Ascot Landau carriage with George, Charlotte, and Louis, Kate was caught stealing a glance at Prince William.

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William was on horseback, doing the official Colonel thing in full uniform. The way she looked at him? People are calling it the "look of love," and honestly, after everything they went through with her health last year, you can't blame them for being a little "mushy" in public.

The Kids are Growing Up (Too Fast)

  • Prince George (11): Debuted a new, slightly more mature haircut. He looked like a mini-William in his navy suit and red tie.
  • Princess Charlotte (10): Twinning with her mom in a lighter shade of aqua. She’s becoming the family’s unofficial "enforcer" of protocol, keeping her brothers in line.
  • Prince Louis (7): Still the king of facial expressions. He was caught teasing George about his hair and waving like his life depended on it.

A Somber Note Amid the Pomp

It wasn't all cheers and flypasts. This year, the King requested that all royals wear black armbands. It was a mark of respect for the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that happened earlier that week.

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There was a full minute of silence at Horse Guards Parade. Seeing the family in their bright ceremonial gear with those black bands was a stark reminder that even during a "birthday" celebration, the job is often about mourning with the public.

King Charles and the Health Factor

A lot of people were asking: "Why isn't the King on a horse?"
Charles is 76 now and still navigating his own cancer journey. For the second year in a row, he opted for a carriage ride with Queen Camilla rather than riding on horseback. It’s a smart move. Trooping is exhausting. Standing for hours in a heavy uniform is no joke, even for someone who isn't undergoing medical treatment.

What This Means for Kate’s 2025 Schedule

So, what’s next? Kate Middleton Trooping the Colour 2025 confirms she is no longer "on the sidelines." While she’s still being careful—her team says she’s "listening to her body"—we are seeing a much more consistent Princess.

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She’s expected to attend Wimbledon (obviously) and potentially a few more solo engagements in the autumn. The "contingency plans" the Palace had in place last year are being tucked away.

What you should do next:
If you're planning to catch a glimpse of the Princess later this year, keep an eye on the official Court Circular or the Royal Family's Instagram. They’ve been much more active lately with "behind-the-scenes" footage, including a reel they dropped the morning of Trooping. Also, if you're a fan of the fashion, the Catherine Walker pieces often influence high-street "Kate-alikes" within weeks, so watch the summer drops at places like Boden or L.K. Bennett.