Monarch meets soldiers preparing for this weekend's official birthday celebrations in London
King Charles III paid a special visit to the Grenadier Guards on Friday as preparations continued for Trooping the Colour, the annual military ceremony marking the Sovereign's Official Birthday.
The monarch travelled to the regiment's base in Aldershot, where he met soldiers set to take part in the prestigious parade in London this weekend.
Photos from the visit were shared on the royal family's official social media accounts, offering a glimpse of the King's interaction with the troops ahead of the major event.
"Earlier today, The King popped in to wish the Grenadier Guards well, ahead of Trooping the Colour tomorrow," the post read.
"At their Company's base in Aldershot, His Majesty spent time with some of the troops who will be on parade for The King's official Birthday in London."
Trooping the Colour is one of the most significant events in the royal calendar, bringing together nearly 1,500 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians in a display of military precision and pageantry. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. BST on Horse Guards Parade and concludes with the traditional Royal Family balcony appearance and an RAF Red Arrows flypast.
The King's visit came shortly after he issued a heartfelt tribute to acclaimed British artist David Hockney, who died at the age of 88.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, Charles described Hockney as "a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through and a dear friend and inspiration to so many."
The monarch also praised the artist's unique character, saying, "David was one of life's true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions."
Reflecting on Hockney's legacy, the King added that his "irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation" would be deeply missed, while his remarkable creativity would continue to inspire people around the world through his works displayed in galleries and museums.
