Newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Join the Royal Family for the Queen’s Trooping the Colour

Esther Lee
Updated

We spy the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex! The Trooping the Colour, which celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday and is known as one of the biggest royal-related events of the year, took place on Saturday, June 8, marking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first official joint appearance at the highly anticipated annual event since their Windsor wedding on May 19.

The pair, who recently returned from their honeymoon, started the procession with yet another carriage ride following other core members of the royal family. The Duchess of Sussex wore a light peach, off-the-shoulder piece by Carolina Herrera, paired with a Phillip Treacy fascinator. Prince Harry looked handsome in his uniform of the Blues and Royals.

trooping the colour
trooping the colour

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during Trooping The Colour 2018 at The Mall on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

After the procession, the newlyweds gathered on the balcony with the rest of the family, where they ended the Trooping of Colour by witnessing the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, fly over the palace.

Little Prince George and Princess Charlotte assembled on the balcony, alongside their cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, and the monarch, great grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. The royals marveled as the Red Arrows flew over the mall for its choreographed moment with Markle particularly engaged in the moment. Meanwhile, Prince Harry looked over to adoringly watch his wife’s reaction.

The event involves about 1400 guardsmen and cavalry members. Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew rode in by horseback, all clad in military attire. Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, bright in a breeze blue Alexander McQueen piece, joined Duchess of Cornwall Camilla in a separate carriage on the mall.

The Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21, 1926, but the Trooping of Colour typically takes place in June with hopes of auspicious and good weather. The tradition itself dates back to the 18th century during the reign of King George II.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Andrew, Duke of York during Trooping The Colour on the Mall on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during Trooping The Colour 2018 at The Mall on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen’s actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

In accordance with previous years’ Trooping the Colour, the annual spectacle culminated with the entire family assembled on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It ended with the Royal Air Force executing its fly-past.

Watch the video above to see how Harry and Meghan honored the late Princess Diana on their wedding day. Secure your ideal wedding vision by starting with The Knot’s Style Quiz, here.

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