Princess Kate's reaction to Meghan Markle's attempt at humour during her first Trooping the Colour appearance has been revealed, with Prince Harry describing a painfully awkward silence.
Meghan's First Trooping the Colour
Meghan Markle's first Trooping the Colour appearance in June 2018 was meant to be a defining moment in her early royal life. Fresh from her fairytale wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle, the Duchess of Sussex joined the Royal Family for the monarch's annual birthday celebrations. However, according to Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, one seemingly innocent remark from Meghan was met with a chilly response from Princess Catherine.
The event, which marks the Sovereign's official birthday, is steeped in military pageantry and royal protocol. It brings together senior members of the Royal Family for a day of celebrations watched by millions worldwide. At the time, Meghan, now 44, was still adjusting to royal life and experiencing many of the family's traditions for the first time.
The Awkward Exchange
In his memoir, Harry recalled how Princess Kate asked Meghan what she thought of the spectacle unfolding around them. According to the Duke, Meghan replied with a simple joke: "Colourful." While the response may have been intended as light-hearted, Harry claimed it landed with an uncomfortable thud. He wrote: "A yawning silence threatened to swallow us all whole."
The awkward moment came during a day that otherwise appeared to be a significant milestone for the newlywed Duchess. Meghan arrived at Horse Guards Parade alongside Prince Harry in a carriage, sharing the journey with Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, the Duke of Kent. Thousands of spectators packed The Mall and Horse Guards Parade to watch the celebrations, while millions more tuned in around the world.
Trooping the Colour's Significance
Trooping the Colour remains one of the biggest fixtures in the royal calendar. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and hundreds of musicians take part in the spectacle each year as the nation marks the monarch's official birthday. However, much has changed since Meghan's first appearance seven years ago. Following their decision to step back as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have not taken part in the public celebrations alongside the wider Royal Family. Just last weekend, they missed Peter and Harriet Phillips' wedding, despite it being a private event.
King Charles is expected to take centre stage on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the parade. He will be joined by Prince William and Princess Catherine, together with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Other senior working royals, including Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and members of the wider royal family, are also expected to appear during the traditional balcony gathering and RAF flypast.
