The idea of having two birthdays every year may seem like a strange one.

However, for the crowned king or queen of England, this is the typical arrangement.

Like many other royal ceremonies, this parade will involve a certain degree of protocol.

Royals at Trooping the Colour

Those attending are required to dress accordingly."

While this description might sound odd to an American guest, it basically just means very formal daytime wear.

However, certain guests and members of the royal family will be permitted to diverge from this dress code.

Camilla in morning dress

Outside of the military dress exception, no deviations are acceptable.

This is one rule you really,reallywouldn’t want to be caught breaking.

This means sweetheart necks, V-necks, and off-the-shoulder gowns aren’t traditional Trooping the Colour attire.

Meghan Markle’s scandalous dress

Indeed, Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine have never attended this special event wearing any of these low-cut styles.

The main problem was that Meghan’s outfit was seen as a huge breach of protocol.

Catherine, meanwhile, has been known to attend the festivities in high-neck dresses.

Camilla and Kate in carriage 2022

The reason for this is written into the dress code itself.

Catherine carried the color scheme through, as well, donning a white and navy striped hat.

As explained by the palace’s Household Division, umbrellas and parasols are strictly forbidden from this important event.

Princess Catherine’s parasol

It is also likely understood that these accessories can be extremely uncomfortable in tight, crowded spaces.

Historically, members of Britain’s most famous family have shown a great love of these objects.

This tradition is something that the newer generation of royals has made an effort to carry on.

Kate Middleton sandals

This, of course, could be for a variety of reasons.

For one thing, sandals like parasols and umbrellas are not the greatest choice of accessory in crowded areas.

For another, they aren’t especially comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

The Waleses on the balcony

However, the main motivation for this rule is that sandals are considered casual wear.

In other words, they do not comply with the “morning dress” standards.

On the contrary, these public figures are often discouraged from sporting these shoes.

Prince Andrew and his mother

In fact, one of the most important Trooping the Colour rules stipulates that event attendance is invitation-only.

However, they did not take part in the balcony appearance.

In 2023, Trooping the Colour plans were made assuming that the Sussexes would not be attending.

Diana at Trooping the Colour

She was accompanied by Prince Andrew since the Prince of Wales was expected to ride in on horseback.

It was only logical that Queen Elizabeth II bend the rules for the young bride-to-be.

After all, in 1981, Diana was regarded as the future Queen of England.

William on horseback

Naturally, other branches of the British armed forces join in on the fun.

It’s worth noting that the reigning British monarch plays an important role in the military.

As sovereign, this individual is considered the Head of the Armed Forces.

Louis at Trooping the Colour

Despite being a lifelong equestrian, Elizabeth decided to stop riding publicly as she aged.

Her eldest son, Charles, though, seems to be immune to this concern.

On June 17, 2023, the monarch will be celebrating his 74th birthday.

It is thought that Archie would normally be allowed to attend the 2023 Trooping the Colour.