Kensington Palace has shared some stunning behind-the-scenes photographs from Trooping the Colour. The images capture the Prince and Princess of Wales preparing to leave Buckingham Palace ahead of the annual parade. The couple were joined by their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
The Royal Family's Roles in the Parade
Catherine, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, rode in a carriage with George, Charlotte, and Louis. Meanwhile, Prince William rode on horseback in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, joined by his aunt, Princess Anne (Colonel of the Blues and Royals), and his uncle, Prince Edward (Colonel of the Scots Guards).
Prince William looked dapper in his scarlet tunic and bearskin cap, while the Princess was the picture of glamour in a tailored baby blue coat dress and matching hat. King Charles made a surprising appearance in the photographs, joining Prince William to stroke the horses—Darby, Noble, and Sir John—that were ridden by the Royal Colonels.
Close-Up of Prince William's Uniform
One of the behind-the-scenes photographs gives royal fans a close-up look at Prince William's uniform as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. He wears a scarlet tunic and bearskin cap with a white and green hackle. The gold braiding on his shoulder, called an aiguillette, indicates he is an Aide-de-Camp to the King. William has embroidered symbols of leeks on his collars to represent Wales.
Inside Buckingham Palace's Quadrangle
The rare view shows the Royal Standard flying above the Palace and guards leaving to join the carriages in the procession. The Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis traveled together to the parade ground, while Prince William rode to Horse Guards Parade on horseback behind the King as a Royal Colonel.
The Princess of Wales Leaving Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales looked elegant as she left Buckingham Palace in an Ascot Landau carriage with her three children. She wore a baby blue outfit by Catherine Walker, paired with a hat by Philip Treacy and the Irish Guards brooch.
The Family in the Carriage
The Princess of Wales leaves Buckingham Palace in an Ascot Landau carriage along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince William rode in the parade as Colonel of the Welsh Guards on a horse called Darby, joined by Princess Anne on Noble and Prince Edward on Sir John.
King Charles and Prince William Before the Parade
The King and the Prince of Wales made a special appearance in the behind-the-scenes images, standing together in full ceremonial uniforms and admiring the horses. While Prince William rode on horseback, the King has opted to travel to Horse Guards Parade in a carriage since the second Trooping the Colour of his reign.
