The Worst-Dressed Royals At Trooping The Colour 2024
In the U.K., Trooping the Colour is an extravagant event held every June in celebration of the monarch's official birthday. While King Charles III was actually born in November, the summer parade has served as an opportunity for the public to recognize the Sovereign's special day since the 17th century, with the first taking place all the way back during the reign of King Charles II. According to the official Royal Family website, Trooping the Colour brings together more than 1,400 soldiers, as well as hundreds of musicians and horses as they make their way from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard's Palace, all under the watchful eye of thousands of royal fans that line the street just to witness the proceedings.
While the history of this grand annual event is no doubt fascinating, and the display of military tradition impressive, there's one element of the parade that's even more exciting: the fashion. Trooping the Colour provides members of the royal family with an opportunity to go all-out with their looks (well, as far as protocol will allow — inappropriate royal outfits need not apply!). However, even the most tasteful of looks don't necessarily translate into being fashionable or even all that nice to look at. In fact, a few of the sartorial choices at the 2024 event were may come back to haunt their wearers in years to come. They're not the worst Trooping the Colour looks of all time, but they're not great!
Lady Louise Windsor's fascinator had a mind of its own
Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II's son Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was obviously up for the occasion in her purple floral number. And while the dress itself isn't bad — it certainly evokes a British summer day, even if the actual weather during the parade didn't play ball! — the fascinator was something of a tragedy. It looks like birds got in a fight in their nest, and brings the whole look down a notch.
Queen Camilla's mint suit left a bit to be desired
Queen Camilla literally has the highest place in the British royal family (besides King Charles, of course), but her look didn't reflect that. While her late mother-in-law made an undeniable mark on British fashion, Camilla opted for a muted mint-colored suit and a cream hat and gloves. The two colors are so bland as to make her fade entirely into the background. She may not have wanted to overshadow her husband, but she could have done better than this.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looked to be running late for Easter services
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, actually looks pretty elegant in her tasteful dress and fascinator. However, while the cut and fit of her sartorial choices are great for the occasion, it's the color that does her a disservice. The pastel yellow would seem more appropriate at an Easter luncheon, not a summer birthday celebration. While it's not as boring as Queen Camilla's outfit, Sophie's ensemble isn't much better and won't leave a lasting impression.
Akshata Murty seemed as pleased with her outfit as we are
While not part of the royal family, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, are in close contact with the royals and were front-row center for Trooping the Colour 2024. While you have to commend Murty's decision to add a little color into her look, the result is more "1970s housecoat worn by your grandmother" than celebratory garb fit for such an illustrious occasion. If the look on her face is anything to go by, she may have realized it too!