Prince Louis steals the show at King Charles' Trooping the Colour


Marwa Hassan
  • English
  • Arabic

Prince Louis, the five-year-old grandson of Charles III, became a star once again during the king's inaugural Trooping the Colour ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

The prince, fourth in line to the throne and known for his playful antics, captivated hearts during the king’s official birthday celebration, filled with pomp and military pageantry.

The thousands singing the national anthem and cheering in The Mall were acknowledged by the king and Queen Camilla with a wave.

Present with the king and queen on the palace balcony were working members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

As part of the Trooping fly-past tradition, which was extended due to a reduced display in May because of poor weather, Prince Louis did not disappoint.

Saluting during the fly-past, the young prince also appeared to mimic riding a bike, and at one point, he covered his ears as planes passed overhead.

On a carriage ride with his siblings and mother, the prince held his nose, seemingly trying to avoid the smell of horse manure from the military mounts.

It was the first time in more than 30 years a monarch had ridden a horse throughout Trooping the Colour.

(Left-right) Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade. PA
(Left-right) Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade. PA

King Charles, for the first time as head of state, rode on to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall to inspect the lines of guardsmen.

It had been a similar period since five of the nation’s most prestigious regiments had gathered to celebrate the sovereign’s official birthday.

Queen Camilla and Princess Kate, recently appointed royal colonels, took on new roles during the ceremony, no longer mere spectators.

Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also appeared the balcony, together with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Colonels William, Anne and Edward rode behind King Charles while Queen Camilla and Princess Kate were in a carriage. The Queen and the Princess of Wales wore outfits reflecting their military associations.

The King's first Trooping the Colour concluded with formation flying from the Red Arrows, who trailed red, white and blue smoke over the capital.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO

What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Updated: June 17, 2023, 6:57 PM