The Prince of Wales participated in the Trooping the Colour parade in London, joining the military procession as part of the ceremonial celebration.
Prince William rode on horseback at this year’s Trooping the Colour, the annual event honoring his father, King Charles III, who turns 77 in November. This time, his newly grown beard caught fans’ attention, sparking mixed reactions online.
William was one of three royals who rode on horseback during the Trooping the Colour parade in London, joined by his aunt, Princess Anne, and his uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
His wife, Kate Middleton, attended the celebration with their children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — riding together in a horse-drawn carriage.
King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, also took part in the event, seated in a carriage due to his ongoing cancer treatment. As the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, William wore the regiment’s red uniform featuring a leek symbol at the neckline, along with the traditional bearskin cap topped with the white and green plume.
The prince’s attire was completed with the Most Noble Order of the Garter sash, adorned with the Lesser George, and a Welsh Guards sword. He also wore four full-size medals: the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, along with the Coronation Medal.
Still, it was his facial hair that drew the most attention, with fans, accustomed to seeing him clean-shaven, flocking online to share their mixed reactions.
One netizen couldn’t hold back their surprise, asking, “Why he copy Harry’s beard???? [sic].” Another person chimed in with a blunt critique, “William looks dirty with his beard…copying Harry for sure.”
Someone else had a different opinion, declaring, “The next king does not need to copy anyone.” Another fan concurred, “I agree…the beard doesn’t suit William he looks better clean-shaven.” More people shared their views, “The beard doesn’t suit him at all IMO x [sic].”
But not everyone was on the same page. One supporter thought the new look worked, writing, “The beard was a good move for Wills 🔥.” Another person imagined William’s wife’s opinion, saying, “Bet Kate’s loving the beard! X.”
And amid all the mixed reactions, one royal admirer kept things positive, saying, “Our future King! Such strength and dignity. Enjoy the special day 💛💚.”
Other moments during the event also caught public attention. A body language expert, Judi James, noted that the Princess of Wales appeared to give William a flirty, appreciative glance as he rode past on horseback.
In one photo, she’s seen looking over at him with what was described as a subtle yet playful expression. James observed that while William looked striking in his uniform, he seemed unaware of the glance.
She interpreted Catherine’s look as slightly furtive and cheeky, rather than one of concern for how he might be faring under the heat in his full ceremonial attire. Judi also noted that the couple, married for 14 years, often share gestures that reflect their strong connection.
This year’s Trooping the Colour had its fair share of attention-grabbing moments during the centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign’s official birthday.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
The event celebrates the monarch’s official birthday each June, regardless of their actual birth date. With origins tracing back more than 260 years, it is steeped in ceremonial splendor and military precision.
Each year, over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians take part in the grand parade, which begins at Buckingham Palace and proceeds down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. Crowds gather along the route, waving flags and cheering as members of the royal family appear on horseback or in elegant carriages.
The ceremony includes a formal inspection of the troops by the monarch, who receives a Royal Salute upon arrival. Soldiers wear their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats as the Regimental Colour — the flag symbolizing the regiment — is marched through the ranks.
The Officer in Command issues more than a hundred commands to choreograph the movements of the troops with remarkable precision. After the parade, the monarch leads the return to Buckingham Palace, where another salute is given.
The celebration concludes with a Royal Air Force fly-past, watched by the royal family from the palace balcony, and a 41-gun salute from Green Park, rounding off one of the most visually striking and symbolic events in the royal calendar.
