Decoding Princess Kate’s Trooping the Colour attire and Duchess Sophie’s important role

The Royal Family’s balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace is a carefully curated tableau of symbolism and sartorial storytelling. 

At Trooping the Colour 2024, colour itself took centre stage, with each royal’s outfit contributing to a visual narrative of unity. 

The Princess of Wales made a remarkable comeback to public life while undergoing cancer treatment. She opted for a refreshing white dress designed by Jenny Packham, a piece she had previously worn to greet supporters on The Mall before King Charles’ coronation.

For this occasion, the dress was subtly altered with a striped waist detail and an elegant bow at the neckline, sending a clear message of sustainability and conscientious fashion.

She completed the look an off-the-peg Philip Treacy hat and Jimmy Choo court shoes.

House of Colour stylist, Sandy Lancaster, believes Kate’s considered outfit choice strengthened her image as a relatable royal. 

According to the Princess, in a time where sustainability and thoughtful consumption are becoming more important, her choice to revamp a prominent outfit emphasized her image as someone who is both relatable and environmentally aware.

The colour white itself carried deeper meaning. ‘It’s the colour of purity, diplomacy and fresh beginnings,’ Sandy adds, ‘particularly poignant for her first major public appearance since her diagnosis.’ 

The Princess of Wales, making a triumphant return to public life amid receiving cancer treatment, chose a crisp white dress by Jenny Packham for Trooping the Colour 2024. The colour white itself carried deeper meaning – it’s the colour of purity, diplomacy and fresh beginnings

Kate’s nautical-inspired palette was a modern classic, harmonising beautifully with her children’s outfits and offering a nod to family unity. 

‘The sculptural hat and graphic bow detail gave the look a contemporary edge,’ Sandy continues, ‘reminding us that simplicity can still be statement-making.’ 

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also embraced symbolic dressing in a cheerful buttercup yellow Beulah dress – a colour that offered a quiet show of support for Kate.

‘Sophie definitely stood out in her joyful burst of yellow – a bold and uplifting colour that exudes warmth and positivity,’ Sally notes. ‘Yellow is often associated with optimism and clarity. In this context, it suggests an assured, sunny presence within the royal lineup.’ 

Given the emotional weight of Kate’s return to the public eye, Sophie’s choice of a radiant hue was likely a way to show support and share optimism.

The silhouette was clean and softly tailored, creating a timeless feel. ‘It felt modern without chasing trends – a thoughtful choice that reinforces Sophie’s role as a steady yet increasingly visible member of the family.’ 

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla opted for a pale blue Anna Valentine ensemble – a serene, soft hue long associated with calm authority and poise.

‘It’s a clever choice for a Queen Consort: elegant and approachable, yet unmistakably regal,’ says Sally. 

Kate’s nautical-inspired palette was a modern classic, harmonising beautifully with her children’s outfits and offering a nod to family unity

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, embraced symbolic dressing in a cheerful buttercup yellow Beulah dress – a colour that offered a quiet show of support for Kate

Given the emotional weight of Kate’s return to the public eye, Sophie’s choice of a radiant hue was likely a way to show support and share optimism

Lady Louise Windsor added a romantic note to the lineup in a floral Suzannah dress. Florals, often symbolic of growth and renewal, mirrored Louise’s increasing presence at events

Queen Camilla opted for a pale blue Anna Valentine outfit – a serene, soft hue long associated with calm authority and poise

The Royal Family’s coordinated style at last year’s Trooping the Colour was a masterclass in balance and symbolism

The gentle tone worked beautifully with Camilla’s understated aesthetic and complemented her natural colouring. Sally notes how ‘the pastel hue softened her appearance, balancing the formality of the occasion with a touch of femininity.’ 

Paired with a wide-brimmed hat and her signature pearls, the look was classic Camilla – confident, consistent and quietly commanding, allowing Charles to remain the focal point. 

Lady Louise Windsor added a romantic note to the lineup in a floral Suzannah dress. 

‘Louise has quietly become one to watch on the royal style scene,’ Sally observes. ‘Her floral dress was a graceful nod to both her age and growing confidence.’ 

Florals, often symbolic of growth and renewal, mirrored Louise’s increasing presence at events. 

‘Her styling – classic with a hint of whimsy – suggests a young woman finding her fashion footing with a lightness that feels both appropriate and authentic.’ 

The periwinkle print, puffed sleeves and cinched waist struck the perfect balance between youthful charm and sophistication. 

Overall, the Royal Family’s coordinated style at last year’s Trooping the Colour was a masterclass in balance and symbolism. 

‘Colour is never random in royal dressing,’ Sally points out. ‘Here, it told a story of unity, symbolism and careful choreography.’