Prince William leads Welsh Guards in final salute to Covid victim.

Prince William and Welsh Guards Practice Ahead of Trooping the Colour

The Welsh Guards, led by Prince William, practised their routine ahead of Trooping the Colour on Saturday, June 4, to mark King Charles III’s official birthday. This rehearsal, known as the Colonel’s Review, takes place a week before the official event and is important for fine-tuning the performance.

Heat Takes Its Toll on Soldiers

During the ceremony, a member of The Band of the Welsh Guards collapsed, and another person had to be taken away on a stretcher due to the hot weather. The performers faced temperatures reaching up to 25°C. While this incident was unfortunate, it’s imperative to recognise the efforts made by the soldiers to train and practise in preparation for this significant event.

Significance of This Year’s Event

This Trooping the Colour parade is particularly significant as it is the first since Charles succeeded to the throne last September. The Prince of Wales, 40, inspected the troops while on horseback, and Prince William, who became Colonel of the Welsh Guards in December 2022, looked incredibly smart in his red military uniform, which he teamed with the traditional bearskin hat while proudly displaying several medals on his chest.

Prince Harry and Meghan’s Absence

While the British Royal Family usually turn out in force for the occasion, this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited, according to The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden. Harry and Meghan travelled from California for last year’s Trooping The Colour, which became part of the late Queen’s platinum jubilee weekend. However, they were not invited to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the official flypast later in the day. This year will mark the first time in Harry’s life that he has not been welcome at the monarch’s official birthday celebrations.

Origin of Trooping the Colour

The official birthday of the Sovereign is marked each year by a military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour. The ceremony derives from two old military ceremonies, Trooping the Colour and Mounting The Queen’s Guard, that go back to the early eighteenth century, when the guards and sentries for the Royal Palaces and other important buildings in the capital were mounted daily on the parade ground by the Horse Guards building.

Advice for Trooping the Colour Audience

Tickets for Trooping the Colour are available to the public, but are chosen by ballot early in the year. For those who are unsuccessful in their application, securing a spot on The Mall is undoubtedly the next best thing, as the march passes from St James’s down towards Buckingham Palace. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes while watching the parade. Also, we should remember the significance of this occasion and the efforts made by the soldiers to perform their duties to the highest standard.

Military Tribute

This year’s Trooping the Colour will be a tribute to the British military, the role of which has never been more critical than during the pandemic. The soldiers and officers have been working tirelessly to protect the nation and support the healthcare system through these challenging times.