The Trooping the Colour 2025 ceremony marked the official birthday of King Charles III and brought with it the familiar grandeur of Britain’s historic military tradition. Held on June 14, 2025, the event featured more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, according to the official Royal Family website (royal.uk). While it remained a celebration of national pageantry, this year’s event also reflected the evolving relationship between the British monarchy and segments of the public, including organized, peaceful demonstrations calling for institutional reform.
The presence of such demonstrations was not unexpected and occurred alongside an overwhelming display of public support for the monarchy, as evidenced by large, cheering crowds lining The Mall. The day served not only as a celebration of continuity and tradition but also as an instructive experience for the youngest generation of royals.
Royal Participation and Public Appearances
As part of the royal procession, Princess Catherine, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis traveled by horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where they joined other senior royals to observe the ceremony. The family’s carriage ride, captured in images by Getty, passed by a group of peaceful protesters who were part of an organized demonstration permitted under UK law.
Notably, Princess Catherine maintained a calm and composed demeanor throughout, reflecting her experience and the responsibility of her public role. Her three children also appeared poised, waving to supporters as they participated in the ceremonial procession.
According to BBC News and ITV, these moments of formality were complemented by warm interactions between the siblings. Prince Louis, the youngest of the group, once again delighted the public with cheerful waves and spontaneous gestures, while his elder siblings supported him in guiding his behavior during the high-profile occasion.
Peaceful Protest and Republic’s Campaign for Reform
During the ceremony, demonstrators from Republic, a UK-based organization advocating for an elected head of state, staged a protest along the procession route. The organization confirmed on its official website and in pre-event statements that its aim was to voice concerns over the constitutional role of the monarchy and to advocate for a transition to a republic.
Republic’s Chief Executive, Graham Smith, has consistently maintained that peaceful protest during national events is a legitimate democratic expression. The signs displayed during the demonstration included phrases such as “Not My King” and “Abolish the Monarchy.” The protest remained peaceful and was managed under guidance from the Metropolitan Police, in accordance with the Public Order Act 1986.
It is important to note that such demonstrations are a lawful component of British democratic society, and no arrests or disruptions were reported during the course of the event.
Public Opinion: A Complex Portrait
The 2025 edition of YouGov’s UK Royal Family Favorability Poll, released in May 2025, paints a nuanced picture of public attitudes toward the monarchy. The survey found that:
- Prince William enjoys a 75% positive rating among UK adults.
- Princess Catherine follows closely with a 72% approval rating.
- King Charles III holds majority support with a 61% favorable rating and 29% negative.
These figures illustrate that while a majority of the public supports the monarchy, views differ across age groups. For instance, among 18 to 24-year-olds, King Charles’s approval rating drops to 43%, with an equal percentage expressing unfavorable views. This generational divide indicates that while the monarchy remains popular overall, there is growing debate among younger demographics regarding its future role and relevance.
A Learning Experience for the Young Royals
For Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7), this year’s Trooping the Colour offered a more complete view of public life than ever before. Typically seen in celebratory contexts such as holiday events or balcony appearances, the royal children were, for the first time, exposed to the reality that public service comes with both admiration and accountability.
The Royal Family has traditionally shielded young members from overt political or controversial elements of public life. However, as they mature into roles of increasing visibility and responsibility, understanding the full spectrum of public opinion becomes essential. The 2025 ceremony served as an early lesson in the importance of composure, civic awareness, and the role of tradition within a democracy.
For Prince George, the future monarch, witnessing peaceful public dissent firsthand can be seen as a foundational experience. As someone who may one day lead a constitutional monarchy, engaging with the realities of modern citizenship — including its diversity of views — is part of preparing for future duties.
Wider Support Still Evident
Despite the presence of protest, thousands of royal supporters lined The Mall and filled St. James’s Park, waving Union Jack flags and cheering as the royal carriages passed. The culminating moment — the Royal Family’s balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace — was met with applause and flag-waving from the assembled crowd. The annual Red Arrows flypast, a ceremonial highlight, was once again warmly received by the public.
This continued turnout, coupled with ongoing polling data, confirms that the Royal Family retains broad national support. The peaceful coexistence of royal celebrations and lawful demonstrations illustrates the strength of democratic expression in the UK.
A New Era of Visibility and Engagement
As Britain navigates the 21st century, the Royal Family’s younger generation will likely face different challenges than their predecessors. Social media, rapid news cycles, and shifting public values have created an environment where visibility is constant and scrutiny is more immediate. Events like Trooping the Colour are no longer just ceremonial — they are moments of engagement, visibility, and public feedback.
The Royal Household has increasingly embraced this reality by sharing curated moments through official social media channels and allowing the public to see glimpses of the family in both formal and informal settings. These efforts reflect a modernized approach to monarchy — one that acknowledges tradition while remaining responsive to contemporary expectations.
Conclusion
The 2025 Trooping the Colour served as both a celebration of British heritage and a reflection of the evolving relationship between the monarchy and the people it serves. While the day was punctuated by dazzling military displays and enthusiastic public support, it also included peaceful demonstrations that highlighted ongoing debates around the monarchy’s future.
For Princess Catherine and her children, the day was a demonstration of grace under pressure, and for royal observers, a reminder that today’s royals are navigating a far more transparent and participatory world. As Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis grow into their roles, events like these will help shape a new generation of monarchy — one built on tradition, accountability, and the realities of modern public life.
Verified Sources Referenced:
- Royal.uk – Official Royal Family Website
- BBC News – Trooping the Colour Coverage
- YouGov – Royal Family Favorability Poll (May 2025)
