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Kate in Hot Pink McQueen & the Children Charm at Trooping the Colour

It was a bright sunny day in London for Trooping the Colour, the official ceremony celebrating the Queen’s 91st birthday.©James Whatling

The Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Cornwall.©James Whatling

Prince Harry rode with Kate and the Duchess of Cornwall.©Neil Warner /Sirc / Splash News

The event is known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade although HM’s actual birthday is April 21.The Royal Family

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Horse Guards Parade.

This year there was an additional element to the ceremonies. Before the carriage procession left Buckingham Palace on its way to the Parade grounds there was a moment of silence in honor of those impacted by the ghastly events in the UK. More from The Express.

The traditional parade celebrating her majesty’s official birthday comes after a horrific few months for the UK, a fact acknowledged by the Queen herself in a statement released this morning. Today, she stood alongside her husband for a poignant tribute to those affected by the catastrophe.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

The Band of the Irish Guards, with mascot Domhnall leading the way.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright / Sgt Rupert Frere

As always, it is a magnificent display.©2017 MOD Crown Copyright /Sgt Rupert Frere

More than 1400 military personnel take part.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright

And more than 200 horses.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright Sgt Rupert Frere RLC

The Queen watching her troops.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright Sgt Rupert Frere RLC

It was the warmest day of the year in London, but that didn’t deter crowds. The temperature was around 83℉ during the ceremonies. You can imagine how hot that was for those in uniform.

It was also quite warm for spectators. HM was in a Stewart Parvin ensemble with a hat by the late Philip Somerville. She wore the Guards brooch, as this year the colour “being trooped” is the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright / Sgt Rupert Frere

Princess Anne wore her Colonel of the Blues and Royals uniform.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright / Sgt Rupert Frere

The view from the roof of Buckingham Palace.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright Cpl Tim Laurence

After the review of the troops was done it was time to gather the children and head to the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the flypast (flyby in the US).Duke Duchess Cambridge George Charlotte Trooping Colour 2017

It must be an amazing thing to see in person.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright

A look at the renowned RAF Red Arrows.

As expected, the Cambridge children wowed the crowds.Kate Middleton Duchess Cambridge Princess Charlotte Trooping Colour

It really was a spectacular show.©MOD 2017 Crown Copyright Cpl Tim Laurence

But it’s not easy standing there when it’s so hot and noisy.©

Her Majesty has only missed one Trooping the Colour during her reign; that was in 1955 when there was a general strike. Today was the first time Prince Philip has not been in uniform, wearing basic morning dress instead. From The Telegraph:

In a concession to the day, the 96-year-old Duke for the first time chose to wear a morning suit and top hat instead of his heavy full uniform, instead sporting his Household Division tie, Garter Star and medals.

©Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris)

I might be imagining things, but it looks like the Queen and Prince George are sharing a smile here.

Kate Middleton George Charlotte Queen Trooping Colour 2017

We have details on the children’s wardrobes at What Kate’s Kids Wore.

Now to what Kate wore for this year’s Trooping the Colour.Kate Middleton Duchess Cambridge Pink Dress Trooping Colour 2017

Kate opted for a vibrant Alexander McQueen dress that appears to have been modeled on this garment from the a/w 2016 collection.Alexander McQueen Skater Dress Kate Middleton Trooping

Today’s Tip of the Tiara goes to fashion super sleuth Michelle of Perths Fashion; she discovered the ‘Pleated Skirt Skate Dress.’ Offered at a variety of retailers, the pink was available at Farfetch and a soft blue at Neiman Marcus. A closer look at the ‘paper bag waist’ detailing from the front.James Whatling/Neiman Marcus

Here is a look at Kate’s frock from the back.Kate Middleton Princess Charlotte Pink Dresses Trooping Colour

We had a number of questions about the way Kate’s embellishment looked at the back of the dress; I think it was smushed a bit when she was riding in the carriage.

We’ve not yet discovered a McQueen blouse or dress with the same darts or diagonal pleats at the neckline.©

Thought on the color from Vogue’s Alice Newbold:

This year’s ceremony was a rather more solemn occasion to dress for. Ahead of the event, the Queen released a statement acknowledging the “terrible tragedies” that have fallen upon the country of late.

Faced with appearing in front of a sombre nation, the Duchess chose not to tread down the muted fashion path, but to opt for a cheering colour palette. The bright pink McQueen dress with pleated neckline and paper-bag waist is one of the boldest hues she has ever worn in public. Topped off with a swirling pink hat design by Jane Taylor and a pair of drop diamond earrings belonging to the Queen, it was a considered display of joy in a time of sadness.

©Robin Nunn /Nunn Syndication/Polaris

The Duchess was in an exquisite hat by Jane Taylor.©MOD Crown Copyright 2017/Sgt Rupert Frere

A closer look.Kate Middleton Duchess Cambridge Trooping Colour Pink Hat

Kate’s handbag was one we have seen before, the Etui clutch.©Etui Handbags/Stephen Lock, i-Images

The Duchess accessorized with diamond drop earrings loaned to her by the Queen. They were previously seen at last year’s Diplomatic Reception, as well as the Place2Be Awards in November 2016.©Tim Rooke, REX, Shutterstock / Nunn Syndication, Polaris

Below, the earrings as worn today are shown on the far left; the sun makes them tough to photograph well. They feature a cluster of diamonds at the top, with a diamond ‘frame’ surrounding a line of four diamonds that graduate in size from small to large. ©James Whatling/

I thought this was a terrific look for the Duchess. The vibrancy of the color was offset by a restrained dress design and lack of embellishment. The Jane Taylor hat was elegant, and the earrings added some sparkle to the ensemble.

Here is a 45-second video of the day’s events from the British Army.

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Fashionista

Sunday 9th of July 2017

Wish we had gotten a glimpse of this ensemble from the waist down, but I'm willing to go out on a limb (unwavering faith in McQueen) and say this is one of my all time favorite Duchess of Cambridge looks! The color, in particular, is simply beautiful on her...splendid, indeed.

The tailoring and technique used to create this dress are impeccable. Can't get enough of those wonderful balcony photos. Hoping we'll get to see the entire garment someday...I just know it's perfect!

truds

Sunday 9th of July 2017

I Luv this outfit!! She looks AMAZING! I wouldn't change anything!!! It's so cute the way she always matches the kids with her outfit in some way or another!! I want them now!!!! Xoxoxo

Olivia

Tuesday 4th of July 2017

I loved these pictures when they came out with the children. They totally did steal the show. I think it will be one of the most iconic pictures in the history of the little family together at an official event.

Debbie

Thursday 29th of June 2017

I love this whole look - wish she had gone for something more like this for Pippa's wedding!

Theresa

Tuesday 20th of June 2017

I am not a fan of the waistline on this one. Everything else about it is gorgeous, but the waistline seems about 1 1/2" too low. I don't think it can be called a drop waist, but it doesn't sit as nicely as most of her other choices.

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