King George VI riding with Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Gloucester during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1947.
This was the first Birthday Parade held after the Second World War, hence expensive ceremonial uniforms were not a priority. It was also Princess Elizabeth's first appearance at a Trooping ceremony, which she attended as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, an appointment she took on in 1942.
As no tailored uniforms existed for women in the Household Division, the King had a custom outfit designed for her, including a skirt for riding side-saddle. (Of course he did - would you expect any less? 🤣)
A few of the more interesting items at the otherwise pretty stodgy Guards Museum in London are these uniforms worn by the Princess, and later as Queen, for the Birthday Parade ceremonies.
On the left is the blue jacket and cap she wore in the 1947 photo above, and I'm pretty sure she wore it until 1951, when she appeared in the red more formal uniform on the right. That one was also custom designed with the split jacket that enabled riding side-saddle (which was expected for women riding in parades in those days.) During that appearance in 1951, she took the salute for her father, who was too ill to attend. 😢
What impressed me most was how tiny those jackets are!! She was very petite indeed! Not sure who did that portrait of her either - but she seems to wearing a rather impish expression!
Showing Elizabeth a little love on what would have been her 100 birthday! 🎂
The New York Times on June 13, 1947.
