King Charles almost made an awkward blunder during the Trooping the Colour celebrations on Saturday, but his son Prince William saved him from the embarrassing moment. The monarch turned to walk back inside Buckingham Palace as the RAF flypast concluded, only to be corrected by William, who reminded him that the national anthem was yet to be played.
The Balcony Incident
As the Royal Family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the impressive RAF flypast, thousands of royal fans lined the Mall. The senior members, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal, joined the King and Queen for the procession before taking their places on the balcony. The flypast signalled the end of Trooping the Colour for another year, and as the aerial show drew to a close, King Charles turned to make his way back inside.
However, Prince William quickly caught his father's attention and said a few words to let him know the festivities were not over. The King then turned back to face the crowds as the national anthem began to play. The King and Queen gave one last round of waves before retreating into the Centre Room of the Palace, followed by the rest of the Royal Family.
Body Language Expert's Analysis
Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror that it was young Princess Charlotte who displayed royal poise during the blunder. She said: "William made the final alterations but it was also William having to check his father as Charles appeared to be making his final wave and turn to walk inside, with his son very quickly reminding him that he needed to wait for 'his song', i.e. the National Anthem first."
Judi added: "Charlotte teaches her grandad a rather sweet lesson in royal protocol. As the balcony appearance drew to a close Charles appeared keen to go inside, throwing one final fond wave at the cheering crowds before turning in the direction of the exit." She noted that Charlotte stood quietly and firmly to attention at the front of the balcony, the only one unmoving with her arms at her sides throughout the anthem.
Charlotte's Confidence
The expert also highlighted Charlotte's confidence, saying she seemed 'in charge' of the Wales family's presentation. "It was Charlotte in charge of the choreography here, motioning Louis to his 'spot' with a two-handed gesture and checking George, ushered with one very tender hand on the back by his mother, got to his place in the line-up, too."
Of Prince George, Judi said: "Perhaps because he will soon be off to 'big' school, George appeared to want to stick close to his mother here. After William waved Charlotte and Louis into the front row, George stood beside his mother, even side-stepping across to get closer. Not only did this place him more in the 'grown ups' row, he was able to keep Kate company as they chatted and laughed together fondly."
