Prince William, the Prince of Wales, participated in the 2025 Trooping the Colour ceremony in London, marking a significant moment in this centuries-old royal tradition. As the eldest son of King Charles III and heir to the British throne, Prince William fulfilled his ceremonial duties with honor while also drawing public attention for his noticeably new appearance — a neatly groomed beard.
This year’s parade held particular significance as it reflected the continuity of the monarchy, especially amid King Charles III’s ongoing treatment for cancer, which he publicly acknowledged in February 2024. The King attended the event in a carriage, accompanied by Queen Camilla, while his eldest son took a more prominent role in the military procession.
A Key Role in the Royal Procession
Prince William rode on horseback as part of the ceremonial guard, alongside Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. Each of them holds a senior military appointment and participates annually in this public demonstration of duty and unity.
As Colonel of the Welsh Guards, William wore the regiment’s ceremonial red uniform, which features the leek insignia at the collar — a symbol of Welsh national pride. His attire included the traditional bearskin cap with the regiment’s plume in white and green, a Welsh Guards sword, and decorations such as the Order of the Garter sash and four commemorative medals: the Golden Jubilee (2002), Diamond Jubilee (2012), Platinum Jubilee (2022), and King Charles III’s Coronation Medal (2023). These honors reflect his years of service and contributions to public life.
His participation in Trooping the Colour reaffirms his position as a senior working royal and his readiness to step forward in times of national celebration and responsibility.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence, The Royal Household (royal.uk)
Public Interest in Prince William’s New Beard
Prince William’s appearance with a beard during the 2025 parade generated considerable interest across media and social platforms. While not unprecedented — he previously sported facial hair during a military deployment in 2008 — it marked a notable change from his typical clean-shaven look often seen at formal public engagements.
The royal family’s style choices have long sparked public conversation, and this year’s Trooping the Colour was no exception. While there were diverse opinions on social media, the attention largely highlighted the enduring interest in royal presentation and symbolism. According to BBC News and Sky News, public reactions to William’s beard were varied but remained respectful, focusing on his evolving public image rather than drawing inappropriate comparisons.
Source: BBC News, Sky News, Associated Press
Princess Catherine and the Children’s Presence
Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a graceful return to public life by attending the event with her three children — Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) — in a horse-drawn carriage. Her attendance was especially meaningful following her earlier announcement in March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.
The family’s presence added to the ceremonial occasion’s significance and illustrated the support for the monarch and the future of the royal family. Royal watchers noted that the Wales family followed tradition in carriage procession, dressed in coordinated attire appropriate to the formal occasion.
Source: Kensington Palace, BBC News, ITV News
The King’s Role and Health Context
King Charles III, despite currently undergoing cancer treatment, attended the ceremony and conducted the formal inspection of the troops from a carriage, a role typically performed on horseback. This adaptation was made in consideration of his health, reflecting his dedication to duty while respecting medical guidance. Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that the King would continue to undertake public-facing roles where possible, while following appropriate health protocols.
His presence at Trooping the Colour 2025 demonstrated resilience and reinforced the monarchy’s commitment to continuity and ceremonial tradition.
Source: Buckingham Palace Statement, February 2024 (via royal.uk)
The Ceremony: A Historical Tradition
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade marking the Sovereign’s official birthday, typically celebrated in June, regardless of their actual birth date. The event dates back to the reign of King George II in the 18th century and has evolved into a significant fixture in the UK’s public life.
The 2025 parade involved:
- Over 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division,
- 200 horses,
- Approximately 400 military musicians.
The procession begins at Buckingham Palace, travels along The Mall, and culminates at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, where the Sovereign receives a Royal Salute and inspects the troops. This year, the parade was conducted with the same precision and grandeur expected of such an event, underscoring military discipline and ceremonial excellence.
Following the parade, members of the royal family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to witness the Royal Air Force flypast — a tradition symbolizing national pride and unity. The event concludes with a 41-gun salute from Green Park, executed by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Source: British Army, UK Government Official Ceremonial Events Page
A Celebration of Royal Duty and Continuity
The 2025 Trooping the Colour celebration was a powerful representation of tradition, unity, and resilience. Prince William’s prominent role, combined with the King’s appearance amid health challenges and the Princess of Wales’s return, made this year’s event particularly poignant.
Public admiration for the monarchy continues to reflect the institution’s enduring presence in British society. Prince William’s participation, both as a military figure and as the future King, highlighted his growing responsibility and the royal family’s commitment to their constitutional and ceremonial roles.
As interest in the royal family remains high both in the UK and internationally, events like Trooping the Colour offer a window into the traditions that define the monarchy while also showcasing the evolving public personas of its senior members.
Reputable Sources Consulted:
- royal.uk
- BBC News
- Sky News
- ITV News
- UK Ministry of Defence
- British Army Ceremonial
