A royal wave: Prince Louis charms by King Charles' side on palace balcony
(L to R) Britain's King Charles III, Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Prince Louis of Wales, Britain's Prince George of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales and Britain's Princess Charlotte of Wales, smile whilst standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after attending the King's Birthday Parade "Trooping the Colour" in London on June 14, 2025. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. Since 1748, the Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign. Over 1500 parading soldiers and almost 300 horses take part in the event.
Ben STANSALL / AFP
Prince Louis joined the rest of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for this year’s Trooping the Colour, marking King Charles III’s official birthday with a gesture that quietly echoed his grandfather.
The seven-year-old royal, accompanied by his parents Prince William and Princess Kate, and siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was seen mimicking King Charles’ wave to the cheering crowds during the traditional post-parade appearance on Saturday, 14 June.
Wearing a coordinated outfit with his brother and father, Prince Louis appeared relaxed and cheerful throughout the event. During the balcony appearance, he paused to wave one more time as the family made their way inside — a small gesture that delighted many royal watchers.
Trooping the Colour, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade, is held each June to mark the British monarch’s official birthday, regardless of their actual birth date. King Charles will turn 77 in November.
Earlier in the day, the Wales family arrived together by carriage, with Prince Louis smiling at well-wishers along the route. Seated beside Prince George and across from his mother and sister, Louis appeared to be in good spirits, occasionally chatting with Prince William and laughing with his siblings.
While Prince Louis has captured public attention during past royal events with his expressive mannerisms, his appearance this year was notably more composed, adding to the sense of routine and continuity that the royal family often emphasizes during ceremonial occasions.