Catherine, Princess of Wales Wore Catherine Walker To Trooping the Colour

After last year’s emotional reappearance at Trooping the Colour, following a six-month absence due to cancer treatment, Catherine, Princess of Wales, once again took centre stage on the Buckingham Palace balcony—reminding us why her fashion choices are as closely watched as the royal wave.

This year, the Princess delivered a deeply symbolic sartorial moment in a bespoke Catherine Walker coat dress in rich aquamarine. With its structured shoulders, ivory contrast lapels and cuffs, and clean lines, it balanced stately elegance with a subtle nod to military precision—unsurprising given the occasion.

And this wasn’t just a pretty colour story. The blue shade mirrored the plume worn by the Irish Guards, of which Catherine is honorary Colonel, as well as the regimental badge. It was a respectful and thoughtful nod to her role, underscoring the sense of purpose behind her carefully curated wardrobe.

The silhouette had all the familiar Catherine Walker hallmarks—sharply tailored, softly feminine, and yes, a little bit ‘80s in its structure (not a bad thing here). Catherine topped the look with a custom Juliette Botterill headpiece that featured a sculptural oversized bow and a silk flower cluster, tying back to the plume’s feathery flourish in the most delicate way.

For the jewellery, the Princess wore Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain pearl and diamond earrings—wedding gifts from 1947—and the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, which added history and heritage to this moment of continuity and service.

Now, since we usually only catch Catherine from the waist up at this event (carriage, balcony—you know the drill), I’d already mentally styled a sharp pair of white pumps to echo the white trim on her coat dress. Logical, right?

But when the full look was revealed, it turned out she’d chosen her trusty Gianvito Rossi pumps in a beige suede. And honestly? A little underwhelming. For a look that was otherwise so considered and symbolic, I wish she’d carried that clarity of thought all the way to the footwear.

FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.