LONDON, June 1, 2024 — As the grand event of Trooping the Colour approaches, royal watchers and enthusiasts are abuzz with speculation about who will join King Charles on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony. The event, set for Saturday, June 15, is known as the King’s Birthday Parade, a historic celebration that promises pomp, pageantry, and a spectacle of royal tradition.
Trooping the Colour, a ceremony that marks the official birthday of the British sovereign, will see King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving in a majestic carriage, with Prince William, the Prince of Wales, making a grand entrance on horseback. However, the question on everyone’s lips is: who else will be present on the balcony alongside the monarch?
A Tradition Steeped in History
Though King Charles’s actual birthday is on November 14, the tradition of celebrating the sovereign’s birthday in the summer allows for more favourable weather and greater public participation. This custom, inherited from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is a significant event in the royal calendar. During her reign, it was known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade, a highlight for royal fans and an opportunity to see the family united in celebration.
Speculations and Predictions
Royal expert Richard Kay, speaking on a recent episode of Palace Confidential, shared his insights into who might join King Charles on the balcony this year. “We’ve been led to believe he only wants to showcase working royals,” Kay stated, adding, “We know what that means.” This would likely include King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Kent. Notably absent from this list are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whose status within the royal family has been a topic of much discussion.
Kay also highlighted the potential inclusion of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who were recently seen at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party hosted by Prince William. Their presence at the garden party suggests they may be included in the balcony lineup, adding a touch of youthful elegance and familial continuity to the occasion.
The Glamour Factor
Kay humorously noted that the lineup might “be a bit short on the glamour metre” if limited strictly to working royals. This has led to further speculation about who else might make an appearance. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, were present on the balcony last year, prompting Kay to suggest that their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16, might join the festivities this year.
The Wales Family’s Role
The participation of the Wales children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 5, remains uncertain. Their mother, Princess Kate, is currently on medical leave, which could impact their attendance. However, there is hope and anticipation that they will join their grandparents, King Charles and Queen Camilla, arriving in style by carriage.
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, known for her steadfast dedication to royal duties, is also expected to be in attendance. Last year, she arrived on horseback alongside her brother, King Charles. Given her unwavering commitment, it would be no surprise to see her on the balcony once again this year.
Surprises and Uncertainties
One of the biggest questions surrounds Princess Kate. Although she will not be attending the rehearsal, there have been hints and reports, particularly from Daily Express’s Royal Editor Emily Ferguson, suggesting she may make a surprise appearance on the balcony. Such a move would certainly delight the public and add a layer of excitement to the already thrilling event.
Awaiting the Grand Reveal
As the date draws nearer, anticipation builds, and the final lineup of royals on the balcony remains a closely guarded secret. Trooping the Colour not only marks a significant occasion for the royal family but also serves as a moment of national pride and unity. The event promises to be a dazzling display of tradition, with King Charles at the helm for his first Trooping the Colour as monarch.
Royal watchers and the public alike will be eagerly tuning in to see who steps onto the balcony, sharing in the joy and splendour of this historic celebration. Whether familiar faces or unexpected guests, the event is sure to be a memorable tribute to the enduring legacy and continuity of the British monarchy.
