The Duchess of Cambridge arrived in a horse drawn carriage with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cornwall for today's Trooping the Colour, which is also known as the Queen's birthday parade.
Although the Queen's birthday is April 21st, it has long been tradition to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday publicly on a day in June, when good weather is more likely. Her Majesty has attended Trooping the Colour, every year of her reign, except in 1955 when a national rail strike cancelled the event.
Catherine was wreathed in smiles as she appeared to recognize someone in the crowd.
On horseback were Prince William, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, Prince Charles, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, and the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals.
Prince Philip was noticeably absent from this year's celebrations. The 92-year old underwent an exploratory operation at the private London Clinic last Friday after which he was said to be "progressing satisfactorily". Yesterday, Prince Charles, Camilla, William and Harry visited him and said he was feeling "much better". No doubt he will be sorry to have missed this year's parade, as last year he attended just one week after receiving treatment for a bladder infection. He is expected to remain in hospital for two weeks and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were dressed in smart outfits and dainty hats as they attended their grandmother's official birthday celebrations. Princess Eugenie's elaborate headwear was designed by Sarah Cant.
The Queen invited her cousin, the Duke of Kent to join her in the glass coach for the journey from Buckingham Palace along the mall. Looking regal in a blue coat, Her Majesty completed the look with a striking white and blue hat.
It was interesting to read that the Trooping the Colour actually originated from traditional preparations for battle. Colours, or flags were trooped down the rank so it could be seen by the soldiers. In 1748, it was announced that the parade would also mark the Sovereign's official birthday.
The royal family assembled on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF Red Arrows perform a flypast over Buckingham Palace, central London, following the Trooping of the Colour at around 1:00 p.m.
Below are many of the royals gathered with her majesty, including (from left to right) the Princess Royal, HM, the Duke of York, Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and the Duke of Kent.
Edward's children Louise and James strain for a closer look at the fly-past.
The flypast is always a particularly amazing part of the day, and today was no exception. Nine air crafts flew over Buckingham palace while streaming coloured smoke in red, white (looks more like gray), and blue.
Below are two photographs from past Trooping of the Colour days.
Catherine looked elegant in a pink coat with a heavy collar, three-quarter length sleeve and pearl buttons. It is said to be a bespoke Alexander McQueen piece. The Duchess seems to favour light pinks, it's a colour we've seen her opt for many times and it's an excellent choice for her colouring. I thought it an excellent choice for the event and it looked like a comfortable garment for Catherine who is eight months pregnant.
A better look at the domed buttons, you just about see their ornate filigree decor.
Many will recognize Catherine’s hat, it is a piece by Jane Corbett, previously seen at one of the Queen’s Buckingham Palace Garden Parties in 2012.
The Duchess carried her gray McQueen clutch and wore Annoushka pearl earrings.
It is thought Trooping the Colour marked Catherine's final public appearance before the birth of Baby Cambridge. According to several royal reporters there are "no plans" for her to attend the Order of the Garter ceremonies on Monday although it's not been completely ruled out yet. I hope the Duchess has an opportunity to relax and enjoy the final weeks of her pregnancy. It's a very exciting time for her and William!
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