Trooping the Colour: This year, the royal family put on quite a show. Between Kate Middleton’s electric blue Catherine Walker coatdress, Prince William on horseback and Princess Charlotte’s nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II, it was a sight to see in all the right ways. But later on in the day, I turned to Instagram and noticed a much quieter-feeling family snap from the occasion, posted by Prince William and Kate Middleton. TBQH, it’s giving iPhone vibes.
Kate Middleton & Prince William Share BTS Photo from Trooping the Colour & I Couldn’t Help But Notice This Detail
The vibe is decidedly low-key
Published Jun 16, 2025
•7:30pm
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Unlike their typical (and impeccably curated) Instagram slideshows, which are most definitely produced by a social media team, this singular pic felt more intimate somehow—and decidedly less staged.
Don’t get be wrong: There’s posing involved, but the lighting is natural and there’s no use of portrait mode. Instead, it feels like a shot snapped by someone passing by. It’s giving the very relatable, “Everyone is dressed up and we just need one shot where everyone is looking at the camera at the same time.” I say this knowing that of course on a day like Trooping the Colour, the Waleses have loads of professional photographers on hand to snap their pic. But this feels like a grabbed moment and an attempt to capture the day on their own terms.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
In fact, that’s what makes this pic feel extra special. It has a behind-the-scenes energy that is more laid-back and filter-free. The way Kate is beaming; the way Charlotte is leaning; even Prince Louis looks to be mid-sentence, his toothless grin on full display. The caption that accompanies it reads: “Another brilliant day at Trooping the Colour for His Majesty’s Birthday Parade. Thank you to everybody who came, and to all those who took part.” The overall vibe is giving family versus the firm—and royal fans love it. (The top comment reads: “I want to frame this photo myself!”)
Now, the only question that remains: Who snapped it? Was it a beloved royal aide? Duchess Sophie perhaps right before her own carriage took off? Whoever it was, they sparked real, genuine smiles from the full fam—and perhaps an air of less pressure. (A casual iPhone shot will do that for you.)
