The second Trooping the Colour parade of King Charles' reign is taking place in rainy London today (Saturday, 15 June).
Proving yet again that no one can do military pomp and splendour quite like Britain can, the seven regiments of the Household Division are taking part in a spectacular display as they march between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall.
After a very difficult few months, the King travelled to the parade ground by carriage as the three Royal Colonels - Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward - rode on horseback behind him.
The Princess of Wales has also made a very welcome return to the event, despite continuing to focus on cancer treatment. She has been seen in a carriage with her royal children – her first public appearance in nearly six months.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” Kate wrote in a statement. “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times."
In typical fashion, Prince Louis has stolen the show. The six year old was seen patiently observing the parade before getting distracted by what seemed to be a curtain cord in the building.
As the parade went on, the young Royal was spotted letting out a huge yawn while watching from the window of the Duke of Wellington's former office, before dancing along during the quick march of the Scots Guards to Highland Laddie, as he waited with the Princess of Wales for the Red Arrows flypast.
Trooping the Colour - also known as The King’s Birthday Parade - marks the official birthday of the sovereign, rather than their actual birthday, which in King Charles’ case falls on November 14.
It has been an annual event since 1760. The term refers to the act of parading the flag of that year’s chosen regiment - in this case the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards.
This centuries-old military ceremony, which ran for just under two hours, took place on Horse Guards Parade, the sand covered parade ground at Whitehall, which was once Henry VIII's former jousting yard.
The King was greeted by a royal salute and carried out an inspection of the troops with the massed bands performing a musical 'troop', as the escorted Regimental Colour was carried down the ranks.
Thank you for following along with our coverage
Thank you for following along with OK!'s coverage of Trooping the Colour.
Visit OK! Magazine's website for further stories and exciting moments you may have missed from today - https://www.ok.co.uk/
An exciting week of celebrations ahead
With one of the most highly-anticpated royal events of the year over, the family still have an exciting week ahead.
While Father's Day is tomorrow, Garter Day will take place at St George's Chapel, Windsor on Monday and Prince William will celebrate his 42nd birthday on June 21st.
The Princess of Wales 'concerned' for Princess Charlotte on royal balcony with William 'in charge'
Although it was likely a poignant moment for Kate Middleton who reunited with Royal Family for first time since Christmas, it was clear to see the 42 year old's main focus was her children.
The Princess of Wales - who is mum to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - made an emotional appearance at today's (June 15) Trooping the Colour celebrations and looked sensational as she stepped out on the rBut given the rather wet and windy weather, it could have been a cold event for the royals as they waved to onlookers. In fact, Princess Charlotte even appeared to rub her arm in a bid to stay warm.
Now, Adrianne Carter, body language expert at The Face Whisperer, has exclusively told OK! that Kate could be 'worried' about her daughter Charlotte, but felt more at ease once William stood next to them.oyal balcony.
Kate Middleton wows fans on balcony as she reunites with Royal Family for first time since Christmas
Kate Middleton made an emotional return to Royal duties today to celebrate Trooping the Colour, a tradition that has been carried out annually for over 260 years to celebrate the British monarch's birthday.
As the Princess of Wales emerged on the balcony with the royal family, the 42 year old looked glowing in a monochrome outfit and marked her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
Standing alongside King Charles,
Queen Camilla and her husband Prince William, Kate wowed fans as she reunited with the Royal Family for first time since Christmas.
Key aircraft missing from flypast after tragedy
The RAF flypast began with the likes of Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Lancaster Bomber thundering through the skies of London before the Red Arrows arrived and streamed red, white and blue contrails over the palace.
One significant change to the display, however, was that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight did not take part after the sad death of Squadron Leader Mark Long who recently died while flying a spitfire in Lincolnshire.
An RAF spokesman said: “Due to the ongoing pause in flying for the BBMF after the tragic accident on May 25 2024, regretfully, the BBMF will not be participating in the forthcoming flypast for His Majesty the King’s birthday on June 15 2024.”
The Royal Family step onto the balcony for the RAF flypast
Members of the Royal Family have stepped out onto the balcony to enjoy the RAF flypast.
Lady Louise fans overjoyed as 20 year old royal makes surprise appearance
Lady Louise Windsor wowed fans as she attended this year's Trooping the Colour, marking a stunning appearance alongside her parents, the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Royal watchers were thrilled to see the 20 year old university student gracing the event, especially after being left wanting last time, when she was notably absent from the King's Birthday Parade.
Kate and Charlotte’s matching outfits ‘highlight their close bond’ says royal fashion expert
The Royal Family have arrived at the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall for Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade to mark the King's official birthday, with the Princess of Walesand Princess Charlotte both wearing monochrome outfits – with a special meaning behind these outfits, according to our royal fashion expert.
Kate Middleton is wearing a white tailored Jenny Packham dress with a black trim to the event – the first time the Royal has been seen in public since her cancer diagnosis in January – paired with a matching hat and pearl cluster earrings she had previously worn for Prince Louis' christening.
Princess Charlotte, meanwhile is wearing an adorable navy-and-white sailor-style dress – and celebrity stylist and royal fashion expert Lynne McKenna explains the significance behind the similarity of these two outfits.
The heavens have opened!
The Royal Family are back in their carriages to begin the royal procession back to Buckingham Palace - and just in time, as heavy rainfall has hit London.
The King and Queen were protected from the downpour in their carriage. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis also stayed dry, in a carriage with their mother, the Princess of Wales.
Meanwhile, members of the public who have lined the Mall to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family are being soaked!
Prince Louis steals the show
Little Prince Louis, aged six, couldn't help but show how he was feeling, as a body language expert explains that it's inevitable he would feel 'bored' and start to 'mess with things.'
Adrianne Carter exclusively told OK!: "Louis is getting bored; he's starting to mess with things. This is a sign that Louis is still the lovely and bright personality that we've come to recognise. Louis's big yawn was unspotted by Kate so he was able to give it his all!"
Prince Louis is having a great time!
Prince Louis, alongside his siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte, has been eagerly awaiting his turn to step onto the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The six year old was seen patiently observing the parade before getting distracted by what seemed to be a curtain cord in the building.
As the parade went on, the young Royal was spotted yawning while watching from the window of the Duke of Wellington's former office, before dancing along during the quick march of the Scots Guards to Highland Laddie, as he waited with the Princess of Wales for the Red Arrows flypast.
Kate Middleton's royal children 'on best behaviour' with Prince George 'growing in confidence'
All eyes are on the Royal Family today (June 15) as it marks the highly-anticipated Trooping the Colour parade - but three very important people are said to be on their 'best behaviour'.
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived in a carriage with her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis who all appeared in high spirits as they smiled to onlookers.
And, Adrianne Carter, body language expert at The Face Whisperer, exclusively told OK! that the three youngsters were enjoying themselves - perhaps after a few reminders from their parents.
Kate Middleton wears £5k pearl earrings from another poignant occasion at Trooping the Colour
The Princess of Wales has been seen arriving at today's Trooping the Colour ceremonyfor the first time since her cancer diagnosis, wearing a white Jenny Packham outfit and hat paired with pearl cluster earrings that the Royal previously wore on another significant family event.
Kate Middleton is wearing the Cavolfiore earrings from jewellery designer Cassandra Goad, which retail for £5,620. The Princess previously wore these earrings for Prince Louis' christening back in 2018, when she paired them with a cream outfit and statement headband.
How is King Charles following in Queen Elizabeth II's footsteps?
Queen Elizabeth took to the saddle for Trooping the Colour for the final time in 1986. After Burmese - the beloved black mare that she rode from 1969 to 1986 - retired. From then on, she chose to ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
As he continues to focus on his recovery, the King travelled to the parade ground in a carriage with Queen Camilla. It marked the first time he has done so since he started riding in the procession in 1975.
The Prince and Princess of Wales' children in matching outfits
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during their arrival onto the Parade Ground earlier. They bowed their heads to the Colour before leaving their mother and grandmother in the carriage to watch the parade from the Duke of Wellington's office.
Kate Middleton is 'aware' all eyes are on her at Trooping the Colour
As Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis,Adrianne Carter, body language expert at The Face Whisperer exclusively told OK! that Kate is very 'aware' that all eyes will be on her today, given how important the royal event is.
Kate Middleton's sweet display as she joins Trooping the Colour with royal children
In her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis, Kate Middleton looked glowing as she arrived in a carriage with her children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - to celebrate this year's Trooping the Colour.
Adrianne Carter, body language expert at The Face Whisperer exclusively told OK!: "Kate arrived with the children and was looking very relaxed and enjoying herself in the first glimpse we have of her. All of the children look like they're having a happy conversation."
King Charles 'annoyed' as he's 'forced' into carriage for Trooping the Colour – 'but he may still surprise us'
With Trooping the Colour returning to London today (Saturday, 15 June) spectators will no doubt be eager to catch a glimpse of the King, who is set to ride in a carriage - as opposed to the traditional horseback - due to his cancer treatment.
Despite battling cancer, the 75 year old monarch is resolute about participating in the official birthday festivities but adjustments are being made to the annual event's proceedings to accommodate his health situation, with Buckingham Palace and the Ministry of Defence having spent weeks deliberating potential modifications.
However, according to Royal expert Jennie Bond this decision for Charles to ride in a carriage is something the King hasn't made lightly and it's even said to 'annoy' him.
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King Charles seen riding in carriage as he arrives at Trooping the Colour
King Charles has arrived to celebrate his official birthday at the Trooping the Colour parade in London.
The King, who first attended the royal event when he was two years old, was seen riding in a carriage - as opposed to the traditional horseback - due to his cancer treatment.
Despite battling cancer, the 75 year old monarch is resolute about participating in the official birthday festivities but adjustments are being made to the annual event's proceedings to accommodate his health situation, with Buckingham Palace and the Ministry of Defence having spent weeks deliberating potential modifications.
The Princess of Wales and her children go into the office of the Duke of Wellington
The Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have stepped out of their carriage and will watch the parade from the office of the Duke of Wellington, alongside other members of the Royal Family.
The Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis head inside away from the rain to watch the events from a balcony.#TroopingTheColour pic.twitter.com/HPIi33Cjya
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) June 15, 2024
The Royal Colonel's travel down The Mall
The Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel of the Scots Guards, and The Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals are riding down The Mall behind The King and Queen.
The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal are taking part in the royal procession on horseback.
— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) June 15, 2024
Princess Anne appears to have her hands full on board a buzzy horse.#TroopingTheColour pic.twitter.com/BkPI0mchml
The carriages depart from Buckingham Palace
As the National Anthem sounded out, the first royal carriage carrying the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent and Lady Louise Windsor departed from Buckingham Palace.
The second royal carriage carrying the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, has departed from Buckingham Palace.
The third carried The King and Queen, and the final carried The Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
NEW
— Mariana - The Edinburghs Fan Account (@Mari_Edinburghs) June 15, 2024
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise and The Duke of Kent in a carriage for Trooping the Colour
The Royal Family Channel pic.twitter.com/IuV3GUynrm
The Princess of Wales' huge role in the parade
The Princess of Wales has an exciting role in this year's parade as she is the Colonel of the Irish Guards, who are Trooping the Colour before the King.
She was endowed with the ceremonial military role by the King when he became the Head of the Armed Forces following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
While Prince William moved from his position as Colonel of the Irish Guards to his father’s former role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Kate filled her husband’s shoes and became the Colonel of the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards.
The Irish Guards' mascot Seamus arrives
Seamus, the Irish Guards' mascot, has been pictured parading down The Mall.
Princess Kate is back!
Kate Middleton has been seen for the first time since her cancer diagnosis as she arrived for the Trooping the Colour parade in London.
The Princess of Wales, 42, looked radiant as she arrived by car alongside her husband, Prince William, and her children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The balcony is readied for the RAF flypast later on
Finishing touches are put to the balcony of Buckingham Palace where senior members of the Royal Family will stand later on to watch the RAF flypast which will involve over 30 aircrafts.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace alongside their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor.
It is a big year for Prince Edward as he will ride in the parade as the Colonel of the Scots Guards for the first time as he took over the role from The Duke of Kent earlier this year.
The Princess of Wales is spotted arriving
The Princess of Wales has been spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour.
The princess is sat in a car alongside Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
'Kate Middleton faces an ordeal at Trooping the Colour – but she's doing it for royal children'
Kate Middleton faces a "difficult" day as she's set to attend the Trooping the Colour parade - but she's doing it for her children, according to a royal expert.
The Princess of Wales, 42, will join her family on Saturday, 15 June alongside the Royal Family as they celebrate King Charles' official birthday in London, despite still receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
But she wants to be there to support her three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!.
King Charles attending Trooping the Colour for the first time in 1951
When he was just three years old, Prince Charles of Edinburgh attended his first Trooping the Colour parade.
He is pictured sat comfortably between his grandmother, The Queen Mother, and his aunt Princess Margaret as they return to Buckingham Palace.
