Trooping the Colour 2026 was a family affair, with Prince William and Princess Kate’s three children joining the celebrations

oyals were out in full force to celebrate Trooping the Colour, the King’s annual birthday parade, on Saturday 13 June.

Once again, the Prince and Princess of Wales proved it was a family occasion, bringing their three well-behaved children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, to the carriage procession along The Mall, followed by a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance for the traditional RAF fly-past.

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With three children under the age of 12, Kate and William’s long day could prove challenging, especially with cameras tracking their every move. In the past, they have laughed of Prince Louis’ cheeky facial expressions in 2023 and calmed a tearful Princess Charlotte after she bumped her head on the balcony railing in 2018.

Last year, she was even spotted having a sweet exchange with her daughter as they set off from Buckingham Palace. According to Nicola Hickling, a professional LipReader, Kate gently placed her hand on Charlotte’s lap and said: “You will see lots of riders on horses today. Would you like to wave to the children as we pass? There’s lots of horse here, which is your favourite?”

This was just one of the examples of her quiet words of encouragement and her subtle ways to keep her kids entertained.

On Saturday, natural mother Kate proved she is a model mum. Take a look at the best photos of Kate in parenting mode  –  but before you do, why not play our fun memory card game where you have to find pairs of the Princess’s Trooping outfits from over the years…

Click here to play if you are on a non-HELLO platform.

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Quiet car moment

The royals enjoyed a quiet moment in the car as they arrived at Buckingham Palace before the parade kicked off. Kate was seen gazing out of the window, keeping her kids calm ahead of the busy schedule.

© Getty Images

Seat change

The Princess changed the seating plan in the Ascot Landau luxury carriage, choosing to sit beside her youngest, who looked proud to take the prime position. Last year, it was Princess Charlotte who had that honour!

It allowed Kate, who was dressed in a blue Catherine Walker coat dress, to chat with Louis, who wore a co-ordinating tie quietly.

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Caught chatting

Louis could be seen casually chatting with his mum as she looked poised, smiling at the crowds who gathered to watch the carriage procession.

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Setting an example

George, Charlotte and Louis could all follow their mother’s lead, staying on their best behaviour as the cameras caught their every move.

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Catching up

Checking in with her eldest child, the doting mother could be seen smiling and sharing quiet words with Prince George as they returned to their carriage following the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

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Kate’s caring gesture

The Princess was spotted placing a gentle hand on Louis’ hair in a sweet mothering moment during the journey to Buckingham Palace.

© Max Mumby

Correcting position

The Princess of Wales subtly corrected the family’s positions as they made their Buckingham Palace balcony moment. After Louis and Charlotte walked too far, Kate called them back, ushering them in front of her and George for a more united appearance.

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Subtle sneeze

Prince George captured his mother’s undivided attention after sneezing, with Kate seemingly checking he was feeling well. He appeared to reassure his mum -perhaps it’s the pollen!

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Sweet moment

As the royals filed back inside Buckingham Palace, the Princess placed a protective hand on the small of George’s back. How sweet!