At this year’s Trooping the Colour celebration in London, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte captured hearts across the world with a quiet but meaningful tribute to her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Dressed in a light teal outfit that radiated poise beyond her years, Charlotte added a deeply personal touch to her appearance: a diamond horseshoe brooch with a rich family history.
A Sparkling Symbol of Legacy
The brooch Princess Charlotte wore isn’t just a piece of jewelry — it carries generations of royal significance. The diamond-studded horseshoe, first seen on Charlotte during Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022, is believed to have once belonged to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It was later gifted to Charlotte by the late Queen, symbolizing a cherished connection between them.
The horseshoe design is especially meaningful. Queen Elizabeth II was well known for her lifelong passion for horses, a love shared by many members of the Royal Family. By choosing to wear the brooch again, Charlotte paid subtle tribute to that enduring bond and her great-grandmother’s legacy.
A Coordinated Royal Appearance
Princess Charlotte was not alone in her thoughtful tribute. Standing alongside her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, the two made a striking pair at the event. The Princess of Wales wore a tailored blue coat dress by Catherine Walker and completed her look with a hat by Juliette Botterill.
She also paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II by wearing two special pieces: the Irish Guards regimental brooch and the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings — the latter gifted to the late monarch as a wedding present back in 1947. Together, their coordinated outfits reflected the continuity and elegance often associated with royal tradition.
A Ceremony Rich in Pageantry
Trooping the Colour is a long-standing tradition that marks the official birthday of the monarch. The 2025 ceremony lived up to its reputation for grandeur, featuring:
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- More than 1,400 soldiers
- Around 200 horses
- A full military band with 400 musicians
- A thrilling flypast by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows
- The Royal Family’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony
King Charles III, currently undergoing treatment for cancer, took part in the celebrations from a horse-drawn carriage, demonstrating his dedication to his royal duties while prioritizing his health.
Notable Absences
While many senior royals were present, the event also highlighted the monarchy’s evolving structure. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not in attendance, nor were Prince Andrew and his daughters. Their absence aligns with King Charles III’s continued efforts to streamline the monarchy, focusing public engagements around key working members of the Royal Family.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As Princess Charlotte matures, her role in royal events is becoming more prominent. Her appearance at Trooping the Colour, and her choice to wear such a meaningful brooch, show a growing awareness of her place in the family and the traditions she may one day help carry forward.
Her gesture — subtle, elegant, and full of meaning — was not just a fashion statement but a sign of respect and remembrance. It also highlighted how the next generation is already embracing their role in preserving the values and history of the monarchy.
Final Reflections
The 2025 Trooping the Colour was a day filled with tradition, symbolism, and unity. Princess Charlotte’s touching tribute served as a reminder that even the smallest gestures can speak volumes. As the Royal Family looks ahead to a new chapter, moments like this reflect both continuity and hope — a bridge between the past and the future of the British monarchy.