As the United Kingdom prepares to celebrate Trooping the Colour this weekend — a tradition honoring King Charles III’s official birthday — royal watchers are already reminiscing about some of the most delightful moments from past parades.
Though King Charles was born in November, the ceremonial celebration takes place each June, with the grand military pageantry and balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace drawing millions of viewers from around the world. But as majestic as the procession may be, it’s often the youngest royals who end up stealing the spotlight.
One unforgettable highlight from last year’s event? A charming exchange between Princess Charlotte and her younger brother, Prince Louis, that reminded everyone just how real and relatable even royal siblings can be.
During the flypast — a stunning display of red, white, and blue smoke trailing behind jets above London — little Louis reportedly turned to his father, Prince William, with wide-eyed enthusiasm: “Papa, Papa, look at all that colour!” The excitement was contagious.
But as the National Anthem began, the mood shifted. Ever the rule-follower, Charlotte seemed to notice her younger brother wasn’t quite sticking to royal protocol. When Louis began waving mid-anthem, she allegedly leaned over and gave him a sisterly reminder: “Put your hands down.”
According to expert lip readers, Charlotte wasn’t done yet. When Louis got into the spirit of the moment and started dancing along to the Scots Guards’ performance, she reportedly told him: “You have to stop doing that. Watch the parade.”
Louis’s playful defiance? A simple: “I won’t.”
Charlotte, doubling down: “Do as you’re told.”
And Louis? “Nope.”
It’s these candid, unscripted moments that offer a refreshing contrast to the polished image of royal life. They remind the public that behind the titles and traditions, the Wales children are just like any siblings their age — teasing, correcting, and occasionally pushing each other’s buttons.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, appeared more patient with her youngest during the earlier procession that day. As they rode in a carriage down the Mall, Louis — ever observant — reportedly said: “Look over there, Ma.”
Kate’s warm reply: “Right, look at that.”
While King Charles may be the official reason for the festivities, there’s little doubt that Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte brought an extra dose of personality and sibling charm to the day.