The royal children are
reportedly preparing to tick off a big milestone – making their debut in the
carriage procession by riding with their mum Kate. George, eight, Charlotte,
seven, and Louis, four, have all taken part in Trooping the Colour before
but not in this capacity.
In the past, they have
appeared with their parents on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony to
wave to crowds and to watch the spectacular RAF flypast. But it seems the
youngsters are now old enough to take part in the parade, which is always full
of pomp and ceremony.
Kate usually shares a carriage
with the Duchess of Cornwall, while her husband William rides on horseback. On
Saturday, the father-of-three oversaw final preparations for Trooping the
Colour as he led the full dress rehearsal at Horse Guards Parade. William, as
Colonel of the Irish Guards regiment, was seen riding on horseback during the
90-minute rehearsal.
According to The
Telegraph, this year, for the first time ever, the Queen will take the salute
from the balcony of Buckingham Palace rather than ride in a carriage during the
procession as she normally does. In her younger years, the 96-year-old monarch,
who is a talented equestrian, took part in the military event on horseback.
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Prince William at Saturday’s rehearsal riding on horseback
It’s understood that at
Thursday’s event the Household Division will march to the front of the palace
where the Queen, who now uses a walking stick, will appear on the balcony to
take the salute, to avoid her having to make the journey to Horse Guards Parade
by carriage, or sitting on a dais for a lengthy period of time.
Trooping the Colour signals
the start of the official Jubilee celebrations this bank holiday, which
will also include a service of thanksgiving, a concert at Buckingham Palace,
and a big Jubilee lunch and pageant.
