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LONDON – Princess Kate is radiating happiness at the 2026 Trooping the Colour.At King Charles' annual royal birthday celebration, June 13, the Princess of Wales, 44, appeared in good spirits as she joined her family for the traditional parade in London.For the annual occasion, the princess opted for a powder-blue and white ensemble with matching hat – a sweet tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who wore an almost identical outfit in 1987.She was seen in a carriage with her three children early Saturday as she came out outside Buckingham Palace. Smiling Princess Charlotte wore a white bow in her hair, while Prince George and Louis waved at the crowds.Kate, who serves as the Colonel of the Regiment for the Irish Guard, is wearing an Irish Guards brooch.Kate's light blue jacket was designed by Catherine Walker, whose designs were also worn by Princess Diana, a nod to her late mother-in-law. Walker was a French-born designer based in London who died in 2010. Then Lady Diana Spencer attended her first Trooping 45 years ago, shortly before her wedding to Charles.This year's outfit is reminiscent of last year's blue colour palette. In 2025, Kate and Charlotte, twinned in aqua-colored outfits.The long-sleeved coat dress, which featured a structured contrasting white color, was reminiscent of a look Princess Diana wore on a 1992 trip to Delhi, India.The Trooping of the Colour is an annual ceremonial celebration and military parade commemorating the reigning British monarch's birthday, although the monarch's actual birthdate falls on Nov. 14. This year's Trooping the Colour is the fourth for Charles as king.The royal affair also marks an anniversary of sorts for Kate. Last year's annual event marked her first Trooping of the Colour since the princess announced her cancer remission. This year, the royal has returned to her regularly scheduled program of public engagements and family events, including the most recent royal wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, to Harriet Sperling.For the blissful event, Kate opted for a cream-colored tweed midi dress from Roland Mouret, featuring a pointed collar with a belted bodice and a pleated skirt. The royal accessorized her look with a wide-brim straw hat adorned with a neutral-colored bow and a pair of classic nude pumps.Along with her daughter, Charlotte, Kate attended this year's Trooping of the Color with her husband, Prince William, who is next in line to the British throne, followed by their sons: Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, 8.Contributing: Jay Stahl and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
