Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis's secret signal at huge royal event

The Wales family managed to send a poignant hidden message when they stepped out together for the 2023 Trooping the Colour - the first since the death of the Queen

Prince William and Kate Middleton stepped into the spotlight in June 2023 when they attended the Trooping the Colour - the first of King Charles's reign, and their first since receiving the Wales title.

The royal couple put a great deal of thought into their appearance, and seemed to send a secret message with their family's wardrobe - something which went largely unnoticed at the time. While Prince William was dressed in his red military uniform, sons George and Louis were coordinated in smart navy blue blazers with matching red ties and white shirts. Princess Charlotte, meanwhile, wore a pretty white dress with a red belt and bow detailing around the neckline.

Style icon Kate stunned in a beautiful emerald green coat dress by Andrew Gn, which she teamed with a matching hat. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot there was a hidden meaning behind their choices. One fan took to social media platform X, writing: "I just adore the attention to detail, the Wales family are wearing green white and red, colours of the Welsh Flag."

Another stated: "I believe Catherine is in Green because she is Colonel of the Irish Guards." And a third echoed: "The Princess of Wales is wearing green! A colour reminiscent of her role as honorary colonel of the Irish Guards." Once again, Prince Louis managed to steal the show at the 2023 event. But according to one body language expert, Princess Kate had a special tactic for keeping the fun-loving youngster in check.

Judi James told Fabulous at the time: "Kate's firm but subtle signals ensure the children keep feeling enthusiastic and, in Louis' case, excited . She beamed with pride when Louis started miming drumming along with the band in the carriage." The expert added: "Talking to her children there were a couple of gestures of what looked like guidance about when to wave. There was also a spreading gesture of both hands that would normally mean quite a severe message of when to stop or what not to do , too.

"She also put her hands below public view in the carriage to mime that 'stop' or 'end' sign to them as though warning them where the boundaries were, and on the way back she was doing small reward nods and smiles for their good behaviour, to ensure they were enjoying the event too."

Despite Kate's best efforts, cheeky little Louis nevertheless became the main attraction, grimacing and saluting during the proceedings. He pinched his nose and winced at the smell of horse manure as the royal carriage headed out of Buckingham Palace. And he also managed to evade the watchful eyes of his mum and Queen Camilla, also seated in the carriage, as he faced spectators and stuck out his tongue.

Later on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Louis was seen covering his ears as 70 aircraft roared overhead, including the Red Arrows and Typhoon fighter jets. The young Prince also clenched his fists, screwed his eyes shut and puffed out his cheeks, seemingly imagining he was in one of the planes travelling overhead.