Rehearsals are underway for one of the biggest events in the royal calendar - the monarch's birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour.
The ceremonial military parade traditionally sees the royals out in force as over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign's official birthday.
Ahead of this year's Trooping, which is taking place on Saturday 15 June, a final run-through is necessary to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. As with any major event, there are things that could potentially go wrong.
Horses and troops advance down the Mall during last year's Trooping the Colour (Getty Images)The parade features a huge number of horses - ridden by both military personnel and members of the royal family. Just recently, two horses belonging to the Household Cavalry got loose during a "routine exercise" and galloped off through the streets of London - thankfully all involved have fully recovered.
It has been known for soldiers to faint during the rehearsals, known as the Colonel's Review, after many hours of standing in the same position. In 2023, three soldiers passed out in sweltering temperatures during the parade run-through as temperatures approached 30C. All three were taken off on stretchers while one trombonist soldier was whisked off by medical staff after collapsing in the heat.
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The Princess of Wales was scheduled to serve as the Inspecting Officer at today's rehearsal. However, in light of her cancer treatment, the honour of taking today's salute instead goes to Lieutenant General James Bucknall.
It's not yet known whether Princess Kate will attend the 2024 Trooping the Colour. But fans will be hoping she is well enough to join husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis on the day.
Prince Louis once again stole the show with his balcony appearance (PA)The young royals only attend a handful of official events, and fans delight in seeing them all together; last year Prince Louis once again stole the show as he tapped his hands on the balcony, cradled his chin in his hands, and thrusting out his arms as the Red Arrows Aerobatic Team of the Royal Air Force soared overhead.
Trooping the Colour officially begins when the monarch and members of the Royal Family travel from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to watch the military parade, before making an appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the RAF perform a special fly-past overhead.
Last year, Kate and her children travelled in a carriage with Queen Camilla, while King Charles, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward joined the procession on horseback. It was the first time in over 35 years that a monarch had taken an active part riding in the ceremony.
The King proudly rode on horseback last year (PA Archive)But in light of his own cancer diagnosis, King Charles has confirmed he will not be riding his trusty steed Noble this year, and will instead join his wife in a carriage for the journey.
Some lucky royal fans will be able to watch proceedings in person, while others can enjoy the spectacle on TV. But there is also much that happens behind the scenes.
It's believed that after their appearance on the balcony, the royals come together for a catch-up and drinks before heading their separate ways. However, given that the areas they congregate in are strictly off-limits, there are no photographs.
Trooping the Colour comes to an end with a magnificent flypast by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows (HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)The only royal to break this seeming rule is Princess Eugenie who posted a picture on her personal Instagram page of her father Prince Andrew at the palace before Trooping the Colour in 2018.
Soon after Eugenie deleted the post after it was pointed out to her it was taken in a corridor in an area of the palace off limits to the public.
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She later told British Vogue: "I recently got in trouble for posting a picture of Papa in a corridor of the palace that was off-limits to the public."
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