June 9, 2018 marks the Queen's official birthday, and fans of the royal family are lining the streets of London in anticipation of the Trooping the Colour celebrations.
This year's event is especially exciting as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are back from their honeymoon in time to celebrate with Queen Elizabeth. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived together by car this morning, before riding in their own carriage through the streets of London.
And, as usual, Meghan wore a flawless outfit for the royal event, comprised of a bespoke Carolina Herrera, baby pink, off-the-shoulder dress with button detailing, and a matching light pink hat. Meanwhile, her husband wore his full uniform.
As People reports, Prince William and his father Prince Charles "rode on horseback and not in carriages because they are both royal colonels of the Household Division," which explains why Camilla and Kate rode in a carriage together, and Prince Harry rode with Meghan.
Trooping the Colour is an annual military celebration that celebrates the monarch, and is also known as the Queen's second birthday. As the royal family's official website reveals, "Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark The Queen's official birthday."
It involves Her Majesty's personal troops, known as the Household Division, putting on an intricately choreographed procession through the streets of London. The main event then takes place at Horse Guards Parade in central London, and is usually attended by most of the royal family.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
