The working members of the royal family joined Queen Elizabeth this morning on the Buckingham Palace balcony to take in an impressive flypast, featuring 70 aircraft marking Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.
At one point, the flypast took the shape of “70,” honoring the Queen’s reign—the longest in British history. Towards the end of the flypast, U.K.’s colors of red, white, and blue tore through the sky as airplanes flew past to roaring crowds below.
In addition to being her landmark Platinum Jubilee, this is the first time since 2019 that Her Majesty has carried out Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace. In 2020 and 2021, Trooping the Colour—the military parade that marks the monarch’s official birthday—took place at Windsor Castle, where the Queen stayed in lockdown (and now resides permanently).
Blue was the color theme of the morning, with the Queen in a pale blue coatdress, hat, and gloves by Her Majesty’s personal dressmaker and friend Angela Kelly. Standing to the left of the Queen was, adorably, Prince Louis, who was never expressionless, either waving, covering his ears, or taking it all in. He was sporting a mini-sailor suit previously worn by his father, Prince William, in 1985—37 years ago!
Louis’ mother Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, stood behind him in a rewear of her own—a white dress by a label that has long been a favorite of the duchess, Alexander McQueen, and a white and blue hat by Philip Treacy. Per PEOPLE, she also wore sapphire and diamond earrings that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Princess Charlotte wore blue as well, and Prince George’s blue suit and tie continued the color theme. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also wore a rewear today, opting for a blue striped dress by Bruce Oldfield and a hat by Philip Treacy. Prince Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne were all in uniform, as the three had just participated in the Trooping the Colour parade shortly before. Her Majesty typically takes the salute during the parade, but this year, her son and heir Charles undertook the duty, alongside William and Anne.
Other working members of the royal family rounded out the balcony this morning, like the Wessexes—the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their children, Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn.
Later today, we will see the lighting of Platinum Jubilee beacons, before tomorrow morning’s Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Saturday will bring about the Derby at Epsom Downs and the “Platinum Party at the Palace” live concert, and the busy weekend will conclude Sunday with the Big Jubilee Lunch at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a BirkinThe singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is CompleteThe tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
-
Critics Claim Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tried to "Upstage" Prince George"He wants to steal the thunder with his Invictus Games announcement."
-
Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and King Charles Have the Cutest Matching Friendship BraceletsAnd fans think Charlotte was responsible.
-
Prince George Is Intentionally Being Raised Much Differently Than His Father Prince William Was, Even Though Both Are Heir to the Throne“William still has painful memories of his own childhood and how he hated the persistent attention.”
-
In Naming Princess Charlotte, Prince William Poignantly Fulfilled a Long Ago Promise to His Late Mother, Princess DianaDiana would be “over the moon” about it, her friend says.
-
Prince George Looks So Grown Up in 11th Birthday Portrait Taken by Mom Kate
Also, he looks so much like his dad.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Attending Sporting Events with Their Kids Is a “Much Needed Distraction” from Kate’s Ongoing Cancer Battle, Royal Biographer Says“To say sports play a huge part in the lives of the royals is a massive understatement.”
-
After Meeting a Teenage Prince William for the First Time, Then Camilla Parker-Bowles Quipped “I Need a Gin and Tonic,” Royal Author WritesStill largely known as “the other woman,” Camilla was “decidedly anxious” about meeting the future king.
-
Prince William Was Reportedly Advised to Sign a Prenup When He Married Kate Middleton 13 Years Ago—But He RefusedThirteen years later, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage seems stronger than ever.
