It was a striking image, Prince William, the future king, in full regalia atop a horse, spearheading the 2025 Trooping the Colour parade through the streets of London. Wearing the scarlet uniform of the Welsh Guards with a leek insignia at the neck and a towering bearskin cap, the 42-year-old royal cut a commanding figure during the annual tribute to King Charles.
He was joined on horseback by Princess Anne and Prince Edward, but noticeably absent from the saddle was King Charles himself. Instead, the monarch opted to ride in a carriage with Queen Camilla, as he continues treatment for cancer.
Insiders say Prince William has referred to the past year as ¡°the hardest of his life.¡± In a rare moment of vulnerability during a diplomatic visit to South Africa in late 2024, he revealed how overwhelming the toll has been since both his father and his wife were diagnosed with cancer.
Now two years into his role as Prince of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, William has had to navigate intense public scrutiny and private heartbreak simultaneously. He is said to be immensely proud of how both King Charles and Kate have handled their diagnoses with quiet courage.
Making her long-awaited public return, Kate Middleton rode in a horse-drawn carriage alongside her three children¡ªPrince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. All eyes were on Charlotte, who appeared elegant and calm beside her mother.
Kate, who revealed she was in remission earlier this year, looked visibly stronger and more relaxed. Her presence silenced rumours and reassured royal watchers that she is slowly returning to her duties with care.
At 76, King Charles continues to soldier on with his responsibilities. A senior royal aide recently revealed that the King is managing his condition remarkably well, stating that he is committed to living life ¡°as normally as possible,¡± thanks to the advances of modern medicine and strict adherence to his doctors¡¯ guidance.
His choice to appear in a carriage this year mirrors a tradition set by Queen Elizabeth, who stopped riding on horseback at Trooping the Colour when she turned 60.
This year¡¯s Trooping the Colour felt less like tradition and more like testament. From William¡¯s unwavering leadership to Kate¡¯s inspiring comeback and Charlotte¡¯s poised presence, the royal family signalled they are weathering the storm.
In a year that tested their strength behind palace walls, the Windsors stepped forward united, still regal, still resilient.