The royal children were in high spirits today as they arrived in a horse-drawn carriage for their grandfather’s first-ever birthday parade.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis traveled to Horse Guards Parade with their mother Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla for Trooping the Colour.
They waved enthusiastically to thousands of onlookers who gathered outside Buckingham Palace and on the Mall, as the King and Prince of Wales traveled on horseback.
Today was the first time a monarch has ridden in Trooping the Color since Queen Elizabeth Burmese’s horse carried her at the 1986 ceremony.
The royal party traveled amidst a mounted Sovereign’s escort formed by troops from the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry and the Blues and Royals.
Prince Louis holds his nose as he and his brother George and sister Charlotte travel
The royal children were in high spirits today as they arrived in a horse-drawn carriage for their grandfather’s first-ever birthday parade
George, Charlotte and Louis will later take to the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a flypast – after a set for the king’s coronation was cut back in May.
Princess Charlotte, eight, wore a white dress with red detailing, while her hair was pulled back in intricate braids that met in a low bun.
His brothers George, nine, and Louis, five, wore matching navy suits, white shirts and red ties – with their hair neatly combed to the side.
After the King’s Birthday Parade, the royal children will take to the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a flypast that is expected to last around six minutes.
Some 70 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are ready to participate under the supervision of members of The Firm.
Prince Louis has been a hit at such events in the past, covering his ears and screaming in despair at loud planes passing.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said today’s plane will take off from 15 locations across the UK before meeting in south east England and flying over London.
The event will end with a red, white and blue show from the Red Arrows pilots.
Louis points to something in the sky above as he and the royal children arrive for the birthday parade
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis traveled to Horse Guards Parade with their mother Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla for Trooping the Color
George, Charlotte and Louis chat with each other as they go to Horse Guards Parade
Princess Charlotte, eight, wore a white dress with red detailing, while her hair was pulled back into intricate braids that met in a low bun
His brothers George, nine, and Louis, five, wore matching navy suits, white shirts and red ties – with their hair neatly combed to the side
After the King’s birthday parade, the royal children will take to the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a flypast which is expected to last around six minutes.
The Ministry of Defense said many of the planes taking part in the flypast have been involved in operations around the world this year, including the NATO Air Policing mission in Eastern Europe and the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan.
Charles will be joined by the Queen and members of the Royal Family on Saturday to see the troop of Welsh Guards from the 1st Battalion in their colours.
Trooping the Color has marked the sovereign’s official birthday – which takes place in June despite Charles being born in November – for more than 260 years.
Members of the Welsh Guards, a regiment in the Household Division, march on Horse Guards Parade during Trooping the Color
Some 70 planes from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are set to take part as members of The Firm watch
It will be the first time a full flypast has been possible during the reign of King Charles, after a coronation flypast had to be curtailed in May due to bad weather.
Helicopters and the Red Arrows were displayed instead, along with images from the sky illustrating how bad the weather was over London.
The anniversary flypast has been expanded to pay homage to the new monarch.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said: ‘We are very proud to be able to showcase our capabilities to our Commander-in-Chief, on this historic occasion for His Majesty the king.
“We have planned a proper and appropriate tribute for our monarch, which should be a real spectacle for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, Air Vice Marshal Mark Flewin said: “It is a great honor to be part of His Majesty the King’s birthday celebrations, where the flypast is an opportunity for us to showcase training, precision and excellence in the air to our Commander-in-Chief for such a special occasion.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said today’s plane will take off from 15 locations across the UK before meeting in south east England and flying over London.
