Photo:HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louisare celebrating their grandfatherKing Charles' first official birthday parade!
The three children ofKate MiddletonandPrince Williamreturned to the annualTrooping the Colourevent on Saturday, riding in a horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade as part of the festivities in London.
As the carriage proceeded towards the parade ground, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, showed off their royal waves as they greeted thousands of well-wishers lining the grand, tree-lined and flag-bedecked Mall. Like their carriage debut during last year’s event, Prince Louis sat in the middle of his two older siblings for the ride.
Princess Charlotte wore a white and red dress while Prince George and Prince Louis sported red ties. Louis also added an extra pop of the hue in his red shorts!
Princess Charlotte.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
George, Charlotte, and Louis allmade their carriage debutlast year after Trooping the Colour was scaled down in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2022 birthday parade was the first major event of the lateQueen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations that marked her incredible 70-year reign.
DadPrince William, who turns 41 on Wednesday, was not alongside his children on Saturday morning for the carriage ride. Instead, he was on horseback as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, which this year are the regiment whose “colour,” or flag containing the regiment’s honors, will be presented to the King.
The Prince of Wales wore his official uniform of the high-ranking, honorary officer role and tall bearskin hat. Last weekend, William was in charge as he watched over the troops intheir rehearsal for the big parade.
Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
After the military’s tribute, which will see the Welsh Guards lead the other guard regiments on Horse Guards Parade, the family will take the short carriage ride back up the Mall. The family will then reunite at the palace and appear on the balcony for the flypast from the Royal Air Force.
Although this was Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' second time riding in a horse-drawn coach as part of the Trooping the Colour events, they all made their debuts on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the flypast before.
Prince George and Prince Louis.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
They also rode in a horse-drawn carriage immediately following the coronation of King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, on May 6.
Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/Getty
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
The annual celebration marks the military’s tribute to the monarch, whose actual birthday is November. The reason that June is traditionally chosen for the parade is a practical one rather than anything else: the weather is almost guaranteed to be better. Even for the late Queen Elizabeth, whose birthday was in April, June was felt to be a better bet.
Trooping the Colour 2023.HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty
The royal traditions will continue next week when the annual Order of the Garter Day parade and service takes place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. In addition, some of the family will attend the Royal Ascot horse races over the following days.
source: people.com
