Royal FamilyFinds Solace in Tradition During Challenging period: Trooping the Colour Celebration
Rain poured down, even thunderstorms, and an anti-monarchy protest couldn't take the spotlight away from Kate Middleton's highly-anticipated debut this year at Trooping the Colour.
People flocked along the Mall from early morning, braving the changeable weather, to secure a prime spot for the royal procession—carriages ferrying the royals between Buckingham Palace and Horseguards Parade. Protesters bearing large yellow signs shouting "Not my King" set up camp on the Mall, but their cries were drowned by the crowd's excitement when the King, Queen, and an alternate carriage carrying Kate, George, Charlotte, and Louis gracefully passed.
Anti-monarchy group Republic's protesters congregated near Buckingham Palace during the event. As the spectacle unfolded at Horseguards Parade, a relentless downpour, powerful winds, and flashes of lightning descended upon London. For a moment, the crowd resembled an ocean of umbrellas. Nevertheless, spectators and protesters alike persisted, eagerly waiting for the monumental moment when the royals would appear on the Palace balcony. As they did, a deafening cheer erupted, some shouting "God Save The King."
Judy Nosworthy, a vacationer from Florida, commented, "She [Kate] was waving, and she looked so stunning in that hat." Helen from north London described the military display as "incredible" and expressed gratitude for Kate's attendance. As a cancer survivor, she found it particularly heartening that both the King and Kate, who have faced their own health struggles, could unite during this difficult time for the nation.
Many spectators were thrilled at the sight of Kate but demonstrated understanding and support for her as she transitions back into public life. The message from Kensington Palace emphasizing this appearance did not signal a full resumption of royal duties resonated among the crowd.
In a recent letter, Kate expressed dissatisfaction with her recovery progress, and she is hopeful to take on some public duties within the coming months, but no official announcements have been made yet. Meanwhile, King Charles—who not only hosted this birthday parade but has been an enduring figure in public life, such as leading the nation in D-Day commemorations—continues his own recovery from cancer. The uncertainty surrounding both of their schedules remains a question for the foreseeable future.
Despite the family's personal and professional hardships, Trooping the Colour was a day of celebration. Even the sun graced the royals as they stepped onto the Palace balcony, and the band famously played "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." Amidst the turmoil, it was a day to find joy.
Victoria Murphy, Town & Country Contributing Editor, has been reporting on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has shared insights with Prince Harry, covered several royal excursions, and appears frequently on Good Morning America. In 2021, she authored the book The Queen: A Life in Pictures.
- The news of Kate Middleton's debut at Trooping the Colour overshadowed the anti-monarchy protests, attracting a large crowd on social media.
- In the midst of the royal procession, art and style took center stage as spectators admired Kate's fashionable hat and applauded her aesthetic.
- The entertainment value of the Prince's march, along with the highlight of celebrities like Kate, made the event a significant addition to pop-culture discussions.
- Travel enthusiasts, like Judy Nosworthy from Florida, flocked to London to witness the royal festivities, adding another destination to their travel journals.
- The Queen's birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, was a beacon of hope for society amidst personal and professional challenges faced by the royal family, setting a positive tone for the future—suggesting that the monarchy continues to be relevant in our contemporary culture.
