Over the weekend, the Queen marked the annual Trooping the Colour event with a history-making twist.
The large-scale event, which usually see’s most members of the British royal family parade into Buckingham Palace before watching the iconic flyover on the balcony, was turned on its head this year due to the restrictions enacted amid COVID-19.
Instead of seeing thousands of royals and fans alike congregate, the event was held in a “mini” format at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is currently self-isolating with husband Prince Philip.
The scaled-back event itself was very special to watch unfold – wearing a beautiful blue Stewart Parvin ensemble, the 94-year-old Monarch looked radiant as ever as she stepped out and sat in her single seat to watch the Horse Guards perform a Colour.
She appeared to enjoy it immensely, with BBC presenter and commentator of the event Huw Edwards noting how much Her Majesty was liking the music.
Was that even a little head bob we saw there?!
Of course, the event was world’s apart from last years.
In 2019, we saw brand new mum Meghan Markle for the first time since she gave birth to baby Archie.
We saw Duchess Catherine in her dreamy buttercup Alexander McQueen get-up.
And how could we forget Prince Louis’ adorably desperate wave to the crowds as he made his grand balcony debut.
Never forget this glorious appearance in 2019.
(Getty)This year, the royal watching fanfare was a little thin on the ground.
Though interestingly, there were some special guests you might have noticed if you were really, really paying attention…
Spotted by royal blogger Gert’s Royals, several images of castle staff and groundsmen were also spotted watching the parade take place from the windows.
They could almost have passed for Duchess Catherine and the kids!
…Well, almost.
Is that Kate, we see? Oh no, wait…
(BBC / Twitter)The blogger explained on Twitter: “Castle staff watch Trooping the Colours from the Windows of various buildings at Windsor Castle.”
We don’t blame them for taking the time to ensure they saw some of the ceremony unfold – this was the first time a British sovereign has celebrated their birthday parade in Windsor since 1895.
Yes, that’s definitely one reason we ourselves would flock to the windows to make the most of that view.
You can’t really blame them for getting their own in-person glimpse of the festivities.
(BBC / Twitter)While large gatherings in the UK remain off the cards for the foreseeable future, it’s interesting to see the unique ways the royals are continuing to mark special occasions within the confines of current restrictions.
Stay tuned, we’re sure there’s plenty more royal appearances to look forward to soon…
WATCH: Camilla, Catherine and Meghan share a laugh as they arrive at the 2019 Trooping the Colour:
