Princess Charlotte (11) stood on Saturday alongside her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The daughter of Prince William (43) and Princess Kate (44) watched the Royal Air Force flyover at the grand finale of the military parade Trooping the Colour.
Together with her brothers Prince George (12) and Prince Louis (8), Charlotte took her place among the highest-ranking members of the royal household. In her white dress, she stood out prominently this time. Below the balcony, countless onlookers had gathered along the ceremonial route The Mall, which runs from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square in central London.
The Entire Royal Family on the Balcony
At the center of the balcony appearance stood King Charles III (77), for whom the armed forces staged the parade for the fourth time on the occasion of his birthday. By his side stood Queen Camilla (78), heir to the throne Prince William and his wife Kate. The group was completed by Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the Duke of Kent.
The highlight of the celebrations was the Royal Air Force flyover. The Red Arrows aerobatic display team drew red, white and blue streaks across the sky as they thundered over the palace. After the flypast, the national anthem sounded. Subsequently, King Charles waved to the crowd one last time before returning inside Buckingham Palace.
Why the King Is Celebrated in June
Trooping the Colour is the public celebration of the monarch's birthday. Although King Charles's actual birthday falls on November 14, he is honored with the parade every year in June. Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) was also celebrated on a June date, even though her actual birthday was April 21. Charles maintained the early summer date from his first Trooping the Colour parade in 2023.
The recent parade marks the beginning of a whole series of engagements. On Monday, many high-ranking family members gather at Windsor Castle for the annual Order of the Garter Day. The following day, the Royal Ascot horse racing event begins, where Charles, Camilla and other royals are expected throughout the week.
