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Trooping the Colour returns this Saturday, June 14 - and with it comes the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony moment. As the King's official birthday celebration, the annual spectacle draws in massive crowds, not just for the parade but for that signature royal wave to the public.
This year, the event will bring together over 1,600 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses in a display of military tradition and royal pageantry. But while the parade is big, the balcony lineup is intentionally slimmer than in the days of Queen Elizabeth II.
A Slimmed-Down Royal Lineup Reflects a New Era
Confirmed to take center stage are King Charles III and Queen Camilla, waving proudly from the middle of the balcony. Right beside them will be Prince William and Princess Kate, making headlines with her anticipated return to the public eye after stepping back due to health reasons.
Their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - will also appear, continuing a tradition that's made them fan favorites at past events.
Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence will be present, as will Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie. The couple's children, Lady Louise and James, may or may not appear - it's still unconfirmed, and James skipped last year due to school commitments.
Also spotted will be lesser-known but still working royals: Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, his wife Birgitte, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent - all of whom have remained loyal of the Firm.
But not everyone's invited.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won't be attending, continuing their absence from royal occasions since stepping back in 2019. Likewise, don't expect to see Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, or Zara Tindall, who are not considered working royals under King Charles's reign.
While smaller in number, this year's balcony appearance signals a more focused royal image - still traditional, but streamlined to reflect the monarchy's evolving direction.