Future King leads royals on horseback as Charles requests tribute to crash victims
Prince William made a commanding appearance at King Charles’ official birthday parade on June 14, as Kensington Palace released the first official photo of the Prince of Wales at this year’s Trooping the Colour.
The image, shared on the Palace’s official Instagram account, shows William in full ceremonial uniform, wearing a black armband in honour of the victims of the recent Air India plane crash—following a special request by the King.
Riding on horseback alongside Princess Anne and Prince Edward, the future King led the procession with dignity, while Princess Catherine and their children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—joined other senior royals to mark the monarch’s 77th birthday.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King also requested a minute’s silence following his inspection of the parade, reflecting a sombre but respectful tone during the otherwise celebratory event.
Other key royal figures, including the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, also took part in the annual tradition, which concluded with the traditional RAF fly-past over Buckingham Palace.
