See the Best Photos from Trooping the Colour Including Kate Middleton's First Royal Outing Since Christmas
There was rain, the Princess of Wales' first public outing in six months and Prince Louis' dance moves!
The royals braved the rain for the second Trooping the Colour of King Charles' reign.
Despite less-than-ideal weather in London, the birthday parade honoring the British monarch went on as planned on June 15. King Charles was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and more for the annual event, which is a highlight on the royal calendar.
Making the event extra special this year was King Charles and Kate Middleton's participation despite their cancer treatments. While the monarch returned to a fuller schedule of royal duties, Trooping the Colour marked the Princess of Wales' first public outing with the royals since Christmas.
Princess Kate's attendance was confirmed the day prior as she released a new photo and personal letter featuring an update on her health. After undergoing abdominal surgery in January, the royal announced in an emotional video released on March 22 that post-operative tests led to a cancer diagnosis and that she was undergoing chemotherapy.
"I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," she said in the June 14 message.
See the best photos from the big day below.
Royal Arrivals
Royal watchers got their first glimpse at the royal family — including Prince William, Prince George and Princess Kate — as they arrived at Buckingham Palace in cars ahead of the official kick-off to the festivities.
Lovely to See You, Kate!
The Princess of Wales made her first public appearance with the royal family since Christmas, making the event extra special.
King and Queen
King Charles and Queen Camilla also arrived to the royal residence in London by car, likely hoping the rainy weather would clear up!
A Royal Carriage Ride
Kate took part in the procession by riding in a horse-drawn carriage through London with her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Mom and Son
Princess Kate and Prince Louis sat side-by-side facing forward...
Sister and Brother
...while Princess Charlotte and Prince George sat across from them, taking in the scenes from the backward-facing seat of the Glass Coach.
Sophie Brings the Sunshine
Riding in a only-partially covered carriage in the procession was Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, whose yellow outfit provided a little sunshine on the gloomy day.
Riding High
Prince William, Prince Edward and Princess Anne took part in the parade on horseback. (The Prince of Wales rode Darby, the Duke of Edinburgh saddled up on Sir John and the Princess Royal's horse's name was Noble!)
Here Comes the King
Although King Charles has ridden on horseback in previous years, it was previously announced that the King would conduct his review seated in a horse-drawn carriage alongside Queen Camilla this year.
Queen Elizabeth switched from participating in the event on horseback to riding in a coach in 1987 when she was 60 — compared to her heir, who is now 75.
King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in February and resumed a fuller schedule of royal duties in April after spending time out of the public eye amid his treatment.
Stop One
After riding the mile-long route through London, the royal arrived at Horse Guards Parade, where the Irish Guards presented their flag A.K.A. "trooped their colours" — hence the name of the celebration!
Outfit Details
Princess Kate wore a white dress by Jenny Packham adorned with the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch and paired with a coordinating hat by Philip Treacy,
Mini Balcony
Kate watched the presentation with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from a window in the Major General's Office...where Prince Louis hilariously yawned, played with curtain cords and even showed off a little dance move!
King on Duty
King Charles and Queen Camilla had front row seats to the display of military precision.
Happy Birthday, King Charles!
According to the British Army, Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II, who ruled from 1660 to 1685. The parade was first formally linked to the monarch’s birthday during the reign of King George II in 1748 and got a permanent spot on the royal calendar following the accession of King George III in 1760.
Brolly Up!
The celebration is typically held in June and serves as an official birthday celebration for the monarch, regardless of when their actual birthday is for a practical reason: the promise of better weather!
However, that wasn't the case this year. As the royals departed the Horse Guards Parade, the rain started to come down.
Take Cover
Sophie and her daughter, Lady Louise, giggled as they took cover from the rain under their coach's small canopy.
A Little Soggy
Prince William had a little shelter from the rain on the ride back to Buckingham Palace as he was sporting the traditional bearskin hat.
How British!
The rainy procession back to Buckingham Palace was reminiscent of King Charles' coronation day in May 2023 when similar gloomy weather threatened to damper the festivities.
Rainy Views
At one point, Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte were spotted wiping the condensation off the coach's windows so they could see!
Salute from the King
King Charles saluted the soldiers as they marched past.
Balcony Photo Op
For the event's grand finale, members of the royal family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Royal Air Force perform a flypast overhead.
Look Up
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte leaned their heads back to catch every second of the aerial display.
Princess and King
Princess Kate and King Charles, who are both undergoing cancer treatment, stood side-by-side on the Buckingham Palace balcony, chatting and smiling.
The Royal Wave
King Charles greeted the crowd of people who braved the rain to catch a glimpse of the Trooping the Colour spectacle.
A Loving Look
Princess Kate shot her husband a loved-up look during the balcony appearance.
That's a Wrap
Happy (official) birthday, King Charles!
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