**Trooping the Colour: A Royal Tradition Spotlighting the Women of the Monarchy**
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Every June, the British royal family gathers in a grand display of tradition at the Trooping the Colour parade, an event that captures the attention of the nation and beyond. This annual celebration of the reigning monarch’s birthday sees the royals partake in military pageantry, culminating in the iconic appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This year’s event on June 13 brought renewed focus on the women of the monarchy, particularly the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton, along with her husband, Prince William, and their children, joined King Charles and Queen Camilla among other family members for this significant occasion. Royal author Catherine Mayer spoke to PEOPLE about the current standing of Kate within the royal family, referring to her as the “rockstar member” of the royals. “Kate is the closest they have to a rockstar member these days, and she’s the one everyone wants to see,” Mayer noted, highlighting her growing prominence in royal engagements.
In her new book, *Divide & Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles*, set to be released on June 23, Mayer reflects on how history has assessed royal women from Anne Boleyn to contemporary figures such as Kate and Meghan Markle. She draws parallels between the personalities of these women and their struggles within the confines of tradition and public expectation.
Mayer’s observations extend to Queen Elizabeth II, whose steadfast image over her 70-year reign became synonymous with the monarchy itself. “She found her look and maintained it for more than half a century,” Mayer remarked, noting how Elizabeth’s consistency provided a sense of reassurance and continuity through periods of change. Her reign, which witnessed wars and political upheaval, was marked by this stability, offering a reliable presence to the nation.
The narrative of royal women further evolves with Princess Diana, who emerged as not just a royal but a cultural icon during her lifetime. Mayer highlights Diana’s significant impact, stating, “She had turned out to be a bigger star than the system could handle.” This phenomenon compelled the monarchy to reassess its approach to media and public engagements, as Diana’s charisma drew immense public attention.
Fast forward to 2024, when Kate Middleton found herself under the public’s scrutinous eye at Trooping the Colour. Her appearance at this year’s event marked her return after announcing she was undergoing cancer treatment earlier in the year. Mayer commented on the weight of expectation placed upon Kate, saying, “She not only had to look vibrant and in command of her role, but she knew she would be scrutinised more than ever.” Kate managed to embody this pressure with grace, drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood as she channelled Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style from *My Fair Lady*.
In contrast, Meghan Markle’s debut at Trooping the Colour in 2018 occurred shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry. This debut illuminated the intense media scrutiny facing the Duchess of Sussex, particularly surrounding her fashion choices. Her choice of an off-the-shoulder dress was met with criticism as a supposed breach of royal protocol, though Mayer noted that palace insiders later dismissed the existence of such a rule. “Everyone leapt on that. It’s catnip for the U.K. press,” she said, emphasising how easily public opinion can sway.
An equally intriguing transformation has occurred with Queen Camilla, who was once regarded as an outsider but has since undergone a significant rebranding within the royal family. Mayer describes this evolution as one marked by a “softening, glamorising process,” emphasising Camilla’s self-awareness and newfound role as a staunch supporter of King Charles. At his official birthday parade, she has maintained a reliable presence, offering support as he faces his own health challenges.
Trooping the Colour not only serves as a showcase of royal pageantry but also highlights the evolving roles and public perceptions of royal women throughout history. Each appearance serves as a reminder of the personal battles they face, juxtaposed with the expectations of royal life. As the monarchy continues to navigate modernity, the legacies of these women will undoubtedly influence the narrative for generations to come.
The mixture of tradition and contemporary challenges stands as a testament to the complexities inherent in royal life, and events like Trooping the Colour keep these narratives alive, captivating public interest and shaping the monarchy’s future.