One of the most meaningful moments of Trooping the Colour happens at the finish when members of the royal family appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast, which every year, concludes the proceedings. This year was no exception with King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton (not to mention, Queen Camilla, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis) all standing in key positions—a reflection of the future of the monarchy—as they waved to massive crowds below.
Prince William, King Charles & Kate Middleton Look Relaxed and at Ease for Trooping the Colour Balcony Appearance
The Wales children and Queen Camilla were there, too
Published Jun 14, 2025
•12:46pm
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
Still, what stood out the most watching the royal family at this year’s occasion was how relaxed they all looked. Perhaps it’s because we have the coronation to refer back to so recently when the royal attire on the balcony was markedly more formal. Or maybe it’s because, as royal watchers, we’re well aware of the personal behind-the-scenes pressure the family has been under over the last couple of years. (Not just their health, but all the Prince Harry headlines as of late.)
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
By contrast today, everyone—the kids included—looked remarkably at ease. There’s also something to be said for a royal occasion steeped in so much tradition that everyone is crystal clear on the role they have to play. But it’s always a delight to see the core members of the royal family participate in a processional that is filled with so much history and pomp. Prince Louis especially seemed to enjoy the colorful RAF flypast and, alongside his grandfather the king, couldn’t stop waving to the crowds.
Benjamin Cremel/Getty Images
In addition to the core members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie and Prince Edward), Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent also stepped out for the balcony moment. (Notably absent were Prince Andrew—for obvious reasons—and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, despite the fact that the York sisters have recently had a more visible royal role.)
All in all, the king’s unofficial birthday ceremony was a sun-filled success. Next up, Royal Ascot! (The royal calendar is truly on overdrive this time of year.)
