Trooping the Colour: Princess Kate joins royals on Palace balcony for RAF flypast

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Princess Kate has delighted fans by sharing an intimate behind-the-scenes video of her and her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, preparing for Trooping the Colour.

The heartwarming footage, posted on The Prince and Princess of Wales' Instagram account, captures Kate tenderly brushing Charlotte's hair with her hands.

In the clip, Kate is seen standing proudly with her three children as they await the arrival of their horse-drawn carriage. George and Louis, dressed in matching suits and shorts, stand by their mother and sister, ready for the day’s celebrations.

Lady Louise Windsor made a rare appearance today at Trooping the Colour but royal fans were not impressed after she had to ride in an open carriage during the downpour in London.

The daughter of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie arrived at Buckingham Palace in a car alongside her parents but was later pictured in a carriage with a hood only on one side, where Duchess Sophie and the Duke of Kent were sitting.

Royal fans did notice Louise's positioning and took to social media to express their views.

One user wrote on X: "Oh no!! Put the hoods down!! Lady Louise and Timothy Laurence got the short straw!!"

Princess Kate was welcomed on her return to official royal duties today, as she attended the Trooping the Colour 2024 to mark King Charles's official birthday. Yet she was quick to give her children an important regal instruction during the event.

On arriving at Horse Guards, Kate and her children all watched the parade from a building overlooking the parade ground. At one point, Kate issued her children with some instructions, according to lip reader, Nicola Hinckley.

As reported in the Mirror Kate appeared to say four important words: "You stay there, OK?" Kate also appeared to tell Charlotte: "Keep smiling and stay here for one moment."

Royal fans have drowned out Republic protestors' chanting by singing along to the national anthem, it has been reported.

Lining the streets of London, protesters can be dimly heard chanting "Not my King" ahead of today's Trooping the Colour. While Charles's actual birthday is in November, Trooping the Colour has marked the 'official' birthday of the British monarch for over 260 years.

According to BBC's royal correspondent Sarah Campbell, who is at Buckingham Palace: "[The crowds are] starting to build up... We've got some anti-monarchy protestors, so there have been shouts of 'Not my King' but other shouts of the national anthem so quite an atmosphere."

Princess Charlotte melted hearts with one simple gesture during a carriage ride in the midst of a rainy Trooping the Colour.

Following the outstanding parade performed by soldiers at Horse Guards Parade under the attentive eye of King Charles and Queen Camilla, the royals headed to Buckingham Palace before the much-anticipated balcony appearance.

Princess Charlotte shared the carriage for this brief ride with her mum Kate, Princess of Wales, and brothers Prince George and Prince Louis.

The rain pouring down in London on Saturday caused the carriages' windows to become foggy, making it impossible for the public to see the young royals waving at them.

Pictures of the Royal Family on the balcony during Trooping the Colour.

The Royal Family have now stepped out onto the balcony and are waving at crowds below, looking ahead and watching the RAF flypast, which concludes the Trooping the Colour procession.

Princess Kate has also stepped out alongside Prince William and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Also on the balcony are other senior royals, including the King and Queen, Princess Anne and Prince Edward and his family.

Prince Louis is back to his cheeky antics today, as he was seen yawning during the Trooping the Colour parade.

The six-year-old royal appeared to be bored by the display of pomp and pageantry at Horse Guards Parade, and was also spotted playing with a blind cord. But he soon perked up and was seen dancing along during the quick march of the Scots Guards to Highland Laddie.

The Palace has released a behind-the-scenes video of the Princess of Wales before she stepped into the horse-drawn carriage that took her and her three children to Trooping the Colour.

Crowds are still eager to watch the elaborate pageantry but have opened their umbrellas and hidden under coats and hoods - as it rains down heavily in central London.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh looks the epitome of glamour at today's Trooping the Colour. Joining members of the Royal Family for the King's official birthday parade, the royal looked the part in a stunning yellow dress.

The bright outfit stood out against the miserable wet weather that greeted them in central London, with the rain continuing to lash down during the parade.Sophie wore a lemon dress by Beulah London, costing £625, and paired it with a Persephone Crepe hat by Jane Taylor London.

The Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

Prince William has appeared on horseback at this year's Trooping the Colour, signalling a clear message about the future of the monarchy.

The King, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, has appeared in a carriage due to his health - although last year he impressively appeared on horseback.

The Prince of Wales, who is next in line to the throne, is taking an increasingly high-profile role in preparation for the day he becomes monarch.

As the 41-year-old made his way along The Mall, William was greeted with cheers from thousands of royal fans lining the street.

King Charles was seen waving a gloved hand to the crowds gathered to watch the procession before he disembarked his carriage at the Horse Guards Parade.

Currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, the monarch was recently granted permission by his medical team to resume public duties, albeit at a slightly reduced scale.

Lady Louise looks stunning as she takes part in this year's Trooping the Colour alongside her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The 20-year-old student has delighted royal fans by attending today, as they were left disappointed last year when she didn't attend.

Wearing a white and lilac floral dress by Suzannah and a Jane Taylor hat, Louise was pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace this morning before the King's birthday parade commences.

Louise then joined her mother, who is wearing a striking yellow dress, in a carriage as they travelled down the Mall to Horse Guards Parade.

Royal fans were quick to celebrate Lady Louise's attendance, with many noting their jubilation on X. One person wrote: "So lovely that Louise is alongside her parents!"

Prince Edward looked proud today as he took part in Trooping the Colour on horseback for the second year in a row.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Colonel of the London Guards, wore his uniform and rode in the parade for the second annual celebration of King Charles's birthday.

He has been Royal Colonel of the London Regiment since 2011.

Last year, Edward was joined by the King himself, their sister, Princess Anne and their nephew, the Prince of Wales.

Queen Camilla is wearing a striking outfit for this year's Trooping the Colour, as she diligently supports her husband the King. Camilla, Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, stuns crowds as she wears a pale green silk crepe dress and coat by designer Anna Valentine. She chose a striking cream-coloured hat with a large brim by designer Philip Treacy and wore her Grenadier Guards military brooch to set off her outfit.

Prince Louis has joined in the celebrations today to mark Trooping the Colour in London.

The young royal is known for his cheeky antics and he didn't disappoint as he made his first official public appearance since last year.

The six-year-old looked adorable as he made his way down The Mall, delighting fans by excitedly waving at the crowds of fans lining the streets of London.

Louis and his two elder siblings, Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, nine, have been kept largely out of the spotlight since their mother's cancer diagnosis was revealed back in March.

The royal children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all peer through the carriage windows during the procession.

Royal fans were delighted today when they caught a glimpse of Princess Anne donning her military uniform as she rode on horseback again for her brother, King Charles's second Trooping the Colour.

The Princess Royal wore her Royal Navy ceremonial uniform as she joined other members of the Royal Family during today's celebrations.

The Princess of Wales beams in a stunning white dress and matching hat as she makes her first public appearance this year at today's Trooping the Colour.

Kate is sat in the Glass State Coach with her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, as they head from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the King's birthday.

She's wearing a white dress with black trim detail by Jenny Packham and a hat by Philip Treacy. Charlotte is matching the look with a white bow in her hair.

First pictures of Lady Louise, daughter of Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward pictured taking her seat in the first carriage.

The band of the Irish Guards leave Buckingham Palace to parade down The Mall during the King's Birthday Parade. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums will march and perform in perfect harmony.

Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie and their eldest daughter, Lady Louise, are snapped heading towards Buckingham Palace together before celebrations officially begin.

Princess Kate has been spotted on route in the car being driven to Buckingham Palace alongside her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louise, and her husband, Prince William, dressed in uniform.

The Mall is looking busier by the minute as more fans line the streets in anticipation for the celebrations.

It is welcome news that Princess Kate feels she is well enough to attend Trooping the Colour today, in her first public engagement since last Christmas.

Her searingly honest message goes into incredible detail about her ongoing cancer treatment, which she says will continue for “a few more months”.Kate admits to feeling weak and tired, and many will be struck by just how much detail she has given about how the chemotherapy is affecting her.

It’s rare for a member of the Royal Family to be so open and revealing about their health, and many who have gone through the gruelling treatment themselves will be able to relate to her words.

Read the full analysis on Express.co.uk 

King Charles will be arriving to this year’s Trooping the Colour by carriage, which has its benefits, says one royal watcher.

Charles was hoping to lead the parade on horseback, but his doctors advised against it because of the high temperatures that come with June.

Instead, he and Queen Camilla will travel the Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where the troops will then be inspected.

While traveling by carriage may not have been Charles’s first choice, it’s a good choice, according to Royally Obsessed’s Roberta Fiorito. 

Ms Fiorito said: “The king will officially be in a horse-drawn carriage, horseback is out for him, but this is unique, he will be beside Camilla.”

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One excited fan lining the streets of The Mall has held up a cardboard cut-out of Princess Kate and adorned the railings in front of her with Welsh flags.

The Princess of Wales will make her first public appearance of the year when she takes part in the annual Trooping the Colour parade this morning.

Kate is expected to be in a carriage procession with her children, as the Royal Family parades along the Mall.

Royal household staff have been snapped preparing the balcony at Buckingham Palace ahead of members of the Royal Family appearing following the Trooping the Colour.

As well as Kate, wider members of the Royal Family are expected to make the iconic appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony and join in with the celebrations for King Charles's second official birthday as reigning monarch.

Express.co.uk looks into who will be on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour 2024..

King Charles will celebrate the second Trooping the Colour of his reign today, and royal fans were overjoyed to hear last night that the Princess of Wales feels well enough to attend the special occasion.

The momentous occasion sees members of the Firm travel from Buckingham Palace and down the Mall to Horse Guard’s parade. The royals are followed by over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians.

Following the display of military precision and pomp and pageantry, the Royal Family then gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch an RAF fly-past.

The spectacular display is watched with awe, and here Express.co.uk takes a look at when exactly the flypast will take place on the day. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be attending today's grand celebrations for King Charles's birthday as Britain gets ready to enjoy the monarch's second Trooping the Colour.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were snubbed for a second year in a row after they were not invited to the traditional annual event, according to People magazine.

This is the second year that the couple, who currently reside in Montecito, California, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are missing the King's birthday celebrations.

Dressed up and ready to celebrate, royal fans have already begun lining the streets of The Mall ahead of the Trooping the Colour ceremony at the Horse Guards Parade, in central London.

The Princess of Wales's younger brother, James Middleton, has shared a heartfelt message on social media following his sister's latest update on her health.

James, who is active on social media, particularly Instagram, commented on his sister's post with a heart emoji right below her announcement, in a huge sign of support for Kate's ongoing battle.

This year’s Trooping the Colour is going to have a different air about it after such a hard start to the year for the Royal Family, claims one royal expert.

Also known as the King’s Birthday Parade, it is a way for the nation to come together and celebrate the reigning monarch and put a spotlight on the military.

King Charles has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, but he was was well enough to resume his royal duties at the end of April. On top of that, it was announced earlier today that Princess Kate, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, and still on medical leave from royal duties, will be in attendance.

Brittani Barger, co-founder of Royal News, told Daily Express US: “I think this year's Trooping will have a different air in that people will be happy to see King Charles out and about and undertaking such an important event in the royal calendar."

Princess Kate says she is “making good progress” as she reveals she will be attending Trooping the Colour despite her ongoing cancer battle.

In an incredibly open and honest message, the Princess of Wales revealed her innermost thoughts and fears that she’s “not out of the woods yet”.

Kate added that she has “good days and bad days” while she continues to undergo preventative chemotherapy, explaining that during the latter she is left “weak and tired”.

But when she is well enough she can focus on the things that give her joy, most notably her family and her work.

Good morning. This live blog will cover the sovereign's official birthday parade - Trooping the Colour, 2024. If you wish to share your own pictures or experiences with us of this prestigious ceremonial event, do get in touch - hanisha.sethi@reachplc.com