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What is Trooping the Colour as royals arrive for the annual event?

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The royals have arrived at the annual Trooping the Colour, with Kate Middleton leading the charge in a striking blue outfit.

On Saturday, the Princess of Wales looked as chic and sophisticated as ever in a Catherine Walker coat dress as she twinned with her daughter Princess Charlotte, who wore a light teal dress.

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The mum-daughter duo travelled by carriage alongside Prince George and Prince Louis, while Prince William rode on horseback.

So, what exactly is Trooping the Colour?

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, King Charles III and Princess Anne, Princess Royal are riding down the Mall on horseback during Trooping the Colour 2023. Pic: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, King Charles III and Princess Anne, Princess Royal are riding down the Mall on horseback during Trooping the Colour 2023. Pic: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Trooping the Colour is a royal ceremony, also known as the Sovereign's Birthday Parade, which takes place annually to celebrate the birthday of the British King or Queen and has been held every year since 1748.

While King Charles' actual birthday is on November 14, Trooping the Colour has typically been held on a Saturday in June due to the weather.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at Trooping The Colour 2025 at Buckingham Palace on June 14, 2025 in London, England. Trooping The Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and while performing. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour. Pic: John Phillips/Getty Images

The ceremony consists of a military parade with more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians as well as members of the Royal Family in carriages and on horseback.

Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales travelling in an open carriage along The Mall in central London, during the Trooping the Colour parade. The parade is held to mark the official birthday of King Charles III. This year will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. (Photo by Steve Taylor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton travelling in an open carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade. Pic: Steve Taylor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The first Trooping the Colour of King Charles took place in 2023, with Kate and her children travelling in a carriage with Queen Camilla.

Thousands come out to watch the ceremony, with crowds lining the streets along The Mall in London to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock (14539525n) Catherine Princess of Wales Trooping The Colour, London, UK - 15 Jun 2024
Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour 2024. Pic: REX

The parade route takes place from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade where King Charles is greeted by a royal salute before he inspects the troops.

The day finishes with a flypast by the Royal Air Force with the Royal Family watching from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

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