During this year’s Trooping the Colour celebration in London, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte made headlines around the globe with a touching tribute to her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Dressed in an elegant teal ensemble that reflected maturity well beyond her age, Charlotte added a personal and symbolic detail to her look: a sparkling horseshoe-shaped diamond brooch steeped in royal history.
A Gleaming Emblem of Heritage
The brooch worn by Charlotte is more than just an accessory — it carries deep generational meaning. First spotted on her during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, the diamond horseshoe brooch is thought to have once belonged to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It was later passed down to Charlotte by the late Queen, symbolizing a heartfelt bond between the two.
The horseshoe itself holds special significance. Queen Elizabeth II was famously passionate about horses — a love that runs deep in the Royal Family. By wearing the brooch once more, Charlotte offered a quiet nod to that shared affection and to her great-grandmother’s lasting legacy.
Mother and Daughter United in Tribute
Charlotte wasn’t the only royal to honor the Queen’s memory. Appearing alongside her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, the pair made a refined and united impression. Catherine wore a structured blue coat dress designed by Catherine Walker, paired with a hat by Juliette Botterill.
She also paid homage to the late Queen by wearing two treasured items: the Irish Guards regimental badge and the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings — a gift to Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day in 1947. The thoughtful coordination between mother and daughter reflected the enduring traditions of royal presentation and symbolism.
A Day Rich in Tradition
Trooping the Colour, which marks the monarch’s official birthday, is renowned for its ceremonial splendor. The 2025 edition did not disappoint, featuring:
- Over 1,400 troops
- Nearly 200 horses
- A military band of 400 musicians
- An aerial display by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows
- The Royal Family’s traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony
King Charles III, currently receiving treatment for cancer, still participated in the ceremony, riding in a carriage — a sign of his continued dedication to public service while prioritizing his health.
Noticeable Absences Reflecting Change
Several high-profile royals were absent from this year’s event. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew, along with his daughters, did not appear. Their absence aligns with King Charles III’s ongoing plans to streamline the monarchy, focusing attention on the core working royals.
A Young Royal Stepping Into the Spotlight
As Princess Charlotte grows older, her public role is gradually increasing. Her presence at this year’s event — and her thoughtful choice of brooch — signal an awareness of her position and the responsibilities it carries.
The gesture may have been small, but it resonated powerfully. More than a fashion moment, it was an act of remembrance and reverence. It also underscored how the younger generation is already embracing the duty of upholding royal legacy.
Closing Thoughts
The 2025 Trooping the Colour was a day filled with meaning, pageantry, and tradition. Princess Charlotte’s simple yet significant tribute served as a reminder of the monarchy’s enduring values — and how its future is already taking shape in the hearts of the next generation.
