In a turn of events in Montgomery, Alabama, state officials are seeking to proceed with the execution of Jeffery Lee using lethal injection, following judicial setbacks regarding the use of nitrogen gas. This request to the Alabama Supreme Court comes on the heels of a decision that prevented the state from utilizing nitrogen as a method of execution.

The Alabama Attorney General’s office swiftly moved to obtain a death warrant for Lee, convicted of a double homicide during a 1998 robbery, after their initial plan to employ nitrogen gas was blocked. This legal maneuver occurred just hours after the state’s nitrogen execution strategy was halted, reflecting ongoing debates over execution protocols.

State attorneys asserted, “In sum, ADOC has not been barred from executing Lee, only from executing him by nitrogen hypoxia.” This statement underscores that while the nitrogen method is off the table, other execution methods remain available.

Lee’s legal representatives have yet to issue a comment on the state’s latest motion. The Alabama Supreme Court will soon see a response from Lee’s attorneys as they engage with this ongoing legal battle.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision upheld a lower court’s injunction, which found that Alabama’s nitrogen gas protocol violated the constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment. Despite this, the injunction does not prohibit the state from utilizing alternative methods such as lethal injection or the electric chair to carry out Lee’s execution.

A spokesperson for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall declined to comment Friday, citing the pending litigation. Marshall on Thursday said he would “never stop seeking justice” for Lee’s victims.

“The State is prepared to do whatever is necessary to see Mr. Lee’s lawful sentence carried out,” Marshall said Thursday.

Rulings raise questions about nitrogen executions

The development came after a week of legal rulings that cast doubt on the future of nitrogen executions, a method the state began using in 2024. It involves strapping a respirator to a person’s face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death from lack of oxygen.

Lee filed a lawsuit in 2025 challenging the constitutionality of the state’s nitrogen protocol. U.S. District Judge Emily C. Marks, after holding a three-day bench trial, initially ruled the method constitutional. However, a three-judge appellate panel on Monday reversed part of her conclusions and sent the case back. Marks issued a new finding Tuesday that the state’s execution protocol violates the Eighth Amendment and permanently enjoined the state from using it to execute Lee.

The state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the injunction so Lee’s execution could go forward Thursday night. The court on Thursday declined to do so. The high court voted 6-3 and did not explain its reasoning. Three of the conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would grant Alabama’s request to lift the injunction and let the execution go forward.

The Supreme Court decision was only a ruling on Alabama’s emergency request to stay or lift the injunction. The court has not made a merits decision on the constitutionality of using nitrogen gas, said Robin Maher executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. However, Maher said there is now a very significant ruling by a district judge that “this method, as Alabama has chosen to use it, is unconstitutional.”

“Anyone else who’s facing a potential execution in Alabama, in which the state intends to use nitrogen gas, will argue that the very same equities that resulted in Alabama being prohibited from using it in Mr. Lee’s case should also prohibit the state from using it in their case,” Maher said.

Lee was convicted of two counts of capital murder for killing Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson while robbing a pawnshop on Dec. 12, 1998. Prosecutors said Lee entered Jimmy’s Pawnshop with a sawed-off shotgun and shot Ellis, the owner of the store, and Thompson, a store employee.

Future of nitrogen executions remain uncertain

Nitrogen has been used in eight executions in the United States — seven times in Alabama and once in Louisiana. Lee was scheduled to be the ninth.

Alabama could appeal the case back to the Supreme Court, which so far has never ruled a state’s execution method unconstitutional.

Deborah W. Denno, a professor at Fordham Law School, said it’s difficult to predict what will happen.

“What seems pretty clear to me is that Alabama is going to have a very hard time carrying out a nitrogen hypoxia execution. It’s basically three courts telling you they can’t do that,” Denno said.

The Alabama Supreme Court recently authorized a nitrogen execution for another Alabama inmate, Michael Taylor. His lawyers asked the court to recall the warrant in the wake of what happened with Lee’s case. His lawyers wrote they don’t suggest the Supreme Court’s “denial of emergency relief constitutes a ruling on the merits of the State’s appeal” but said the state shouldn’t move ahead for now.

During the RAF flypast at this year’s Trooping the Colour, Prince Louis once again charmed onlookers with his spirited display. Though he maintained a composed demeanor during the carriage procession, the young prince’s lively personality emerged on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

The eight-year-old, known for his playful nature, couldn’t contain his excitement as the Red Arrows soared overhead. Captured in a series of delightful photos, Louis was seen leaning to one side, mouth agape in wonderment, as he took in the annual spectacle that celebrates the monarch’s official birthday.

At another point during the festivities, Prince Louis engaged in a brief and endearing exchange with his father, Prince William. Moments later, he joined his siblings in waving to the gathered crowds, exuding a sense of shared joy and camaraderie.

Nevertheless, not every moment was filled with awe. The young royal was also caught on camera displaying a rather unimpressed expression, adding yet another layer to his already dynamic public persona.

At one point, though, the young royal looked on with a less-than-impressed expression on his face.

Louis joined his grandfather, the King, and his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as his siblings Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11, for the occasion.

Alongside the Waleses was the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, 90, whose wife the Duchess of Kent died in September 2025, also made an appearance on the balcony for the Red Arrows flypast after missing the royal carriage procession.

Trooping the Colour was once an affair that saw the palace balcony brimming with at least 44 royals as more distant relatives were invited.

Prince Louis, who has come to be known for his cheeky antics at royal events, put on a very animated display on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour today

But over the last few years, only working royals – and the Waleses’ children – have attended the event in line with the King’s slimmed-down monarchy approach. 

Earlier in the day, the royals attended the monarch’s official birthday at Horse Guards Parade in London as throngs of fans flocked to The Mall to witness the stunning display of military pomp and pageantry. 

Kate, 44, putting on a typically elegant display in a Catherine Walker light blue and white coat dress and a matching Philip Treacy hat, was sat next to her youngest Louis, eight, when travelling in the royal carriage procession.

Charlotte, 11, and George, 12, looking smart in a suit and a tie that matched his mother’s ensemble, were placed opposite the pair in the open-top coach.

The King, meanwhile, wore his military uniform, with Queen Camilla wearing a red silk crepe Grenadier Guards uniform dress, designed by Fiona Clare, as the two travelled from Buckingham Palace to the parade grounds. 

It was a family affair for the Firm as the Prince of Wales rode on horseback while wearing the Full Ceremonial Order of the Welsh Guards. He was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal as they flashed a salute on their way to Buckingham Palace.

Highlighting the strong bond between Kate and her children, they were all dressed in complementary outfits – from George and Louis’s ties that were the exact shade of Kate’s dress to Charlotte’s printed cream dress with hints of blue.

Known for his cheeky antics, Louis flashed his gap-toothed smile at the crowds that eagerly held up their phones to try to snap a picture of the Royal Family during a spectacular display of military pomp and regalia.

From left to right: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William,  Princess Catherine, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis

Louis pulled funny faces as he watched today’s flypast, while his older brother George seemed momentarily distracted

Future heir to the throne George exchanging a smile with the Princess of Wales, while Louise pulled a grumpy face

King Charles smiles at the crowds as all three Wales children join Kate in waving at royal fans gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace 

The youngest Wales child glanced towards his father in one moment on the Buckingham Palace balcony today

In a playful attempt to catch a better glimpse of the RAF flypast, Prince Louis leant to the side 

The Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are seen on the Buckingham Palace balcony to view the flypat

The future heir to the throne, George, 12, was confident as he waved at well-wishers while seemingly joking and chatting with his younger sister, Charlotte. 

The occasion was once an affair that saw the balcony at Buckingham Palace brimming with at least 44 royals as it included more distant relatives. But over the last few years, only working royals – and the Waleses’ children – have attended the event. 

Today, guardsmen in their scarlet tunics and bearskin caps delivered a display of precision marching on Horse Guards Parade, honed over weeks of practice and part of their ceremonial duties when not fighting soldiers.

The national celebration is one of the highlights of the royal calendar and will later feature the Royal Family assembled on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the traditional flypast of RAF aircraft.

The colour – regimental flag – trooped this year was the King’s Colour of the Grenadier Guards. 

Charles presented the new colour to the regiment during a ceremony in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on June 9. 

The Grenadier Guards were raised in 1656 in Bruges, Belgium, by the exiled King Charles II to protect him during the period Oliver Cromwell ruled England.

Charles, Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards, visited his King’s Company at their barracks in Aldershot on the eve of Trooping and wished them ‘great success’ for the big day.

Kate donned a pair of floral pearl earrings to complete her ensemble 

Kate stroking Louis’s hair as the carriage returned to Buckingham Palace

Princess Charlotte running to catch up with her brothers and father, Prince William, before they joined the King on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Kate put her best foot forward as the princess gracefully walked back inside the palace

Camilla, 78, stepping off the carriage

The Duke of Kent sat near the young royals before appearing on the balcony at today’s Trooping the Colour

Prince Louis, eight, and Princess Charlotte, 11, were spotted peeking out the window before heading on the balcony at Trooping the Colour today 

The Prince of Wales rode on horseback while wearing the Full Ceremonial Order of the Welsh Guards

The future Queen beamed as she joined the parade in an open-top royal carriage

Kate’s regal wave as she flashes her famous sapphire engagement ring

Like mother, like Louis! Kate and her eight-year-old look towards the crowds at The Mall 

Prince George has perfected his regal wave 

Kate looked typically elegant as she greeted well-wishers with a smile

Kate was all smiles during the parade, alongside a more serious-looking Louis 

Prince George during today’s procession 

Kate and Louis smiling at members of the public, who waited eagerly for a glimpse of the royals 

The future Queen with her three children, Prince Louis (next to Kate), and Prince George and Princess Charlotte sat opposite 

The King smiling at Kate during today’s parade 

Charlotte, who recently turned 11, was poised as she smiled gracefully at royal fans 

George looked dapper in a smart suit and blue tie, which matched his mother, the Princess of Wales’ ensemble

Charlotte, who loves to wear bows in her hair, accessorised her printed cream dress with the accessory 

Prince Louis looking up at Kate during their carriage ride to Buckingham Palace

The King during today’s parade as it left Buckingham Palace 

The youngest Wales child, Louis, eight, flashing his gap-toothed grin 

Prince William put on a dapper display in his military outfits 

From left to right: The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal 

The Duchess of Edinburgh alongside Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence 

Sophie smiling during the procession 

The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for Trooping the Colour

Kate looked typically stunning in a blue and white ensemble as she arrived for the occasion

The Princess completed her elegant look with a pair of floral pearl earrings

The Princess of Wales travelled to Horse Guards Parade with the Prince of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

He told the company: ‘Since Easter you’ve been practising rigidly and I can hear from Buckingham Palace the sound of the drums thumping away regularly so I know you’re all marching up and down trying to get ready for the parade.’ 

The King went on to say: ‘…ever since the last 370 years of your existence you have made us all in this country so incredibly proud of your effort, your service and your sacrifice over all those years and I feel very proud and privileged to be here.’

The King’s Birthday Parade this year comes exactly one week after the royals gathered in Kemble, Gloucestershire, for Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s ‘intimate’ wedding. 

Catherine looked the picture of poise as she arrived at All Saints Church in a Roland Mouret £750 dress and Jane Taylor hat, alongside her husband William, 43.

The future Queen was met with the sounds of cheers from crowds of well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royal guests.

Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most high-profile royal events of the year. 

It is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or ‘colours,’ were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat.

This year, the honour of trooping the Colour falls to the Grenadier Guards, the British Army’s most senior infantry regiment, which is celebrating its 370th anniversary.

Sophie opted to wear a chic cream ensemble with a matching hat as she accessorised the outfit with a diamond brooch 

The Duke of Gloucester and his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, ride in an open-top carriage

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria 

Crowds held up their phones ahead of the Royal Family departing Buckingham Palace 

Musicians from the Massed Bands of the Household Division parade during Trooping the Colour

This year marks the fourth Trooping the Colour of His Majesty’s reign, after the death of Queen Elizabeth on September 8, 2022. 

Charles attended his first Trooping the Colour in 1951, aged three, riding in a carriage with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and his aunt, Princess Margaret. 

The King first rode in the parade as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1975.

The Colours being trooped today were presented to The Regiment by The King in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 9. 

Trooping the Colour was once the largest public gathering of royals of the year, with more than 40 members of the Firm jostling for position on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the flypast.

Now, the sparse group is made up of working royals only, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

They will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, now the oldest working royal at the age of 90, while the King’s estranged son, Montecito-based Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will be notably absent. 

The daughters of disgraced former prince Andrew, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will not attend today’s Trooping the Colour, which they last attended in 2022. 

They were last seen on the palace balcony with the late Queen Elizabeth in 2019, after they arrived at the Horse Guards Parade riding in an open-top carriage accompanied by Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, and Prince Edward. 

In the wake of the scandal surrounding Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson’s friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Beatrice and Eugenie – who is expecting her third child with Jack – have largely kept out of the spotlight. 

While they were welcomed back into the royal fold for Peter and Harriet’s wedding, Beatrice and Eugenie – who are not working members of The Firm – will not attend today’s festivities. 

Prince Louis once again captured everyone’s attention at the 2026 Trooping the Colour on Saturday.

The young royal entertained onlookers with a series of playful expressions while standing beside his family. In one memorable moment, he appeared wide-eyed with surprise as he gazed at the crowd.

Louis was accompanied by his siblings, Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and Prince George, aged 12. Their parents, Prince William, 43, and Kate Middleton, 44, along with King Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, also joined them on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

This year, Louis shared a carriage ride with his mother during the procession.

Concluding their day, the royal family gathered to watch the Royal Air Force’s flypast.

The prince, 8, meanwhile, is no stranger to charming the crowd during the annual event.

Last year, Louis gave the crowd an enthusiastic greeting, as seen in a video shared to X at the time.

Prince Louis continued to wave hello to the sea of people — even after everyone else had stopped.

Prince George immediately caught wind of what his little brother was doing, and lightly touched his arm and told him to “stop.”

The youngest sibling quickly dropped his arms to his side.

The brothers also had an adorable chat while riding in a carriage.

According to a lip reader at the time, Louis asked, “Should I wave?”

George allegedly responded, “It’s up to you,” before adding he couldn’t “believe how sunny it” was outside.

The lip reader claimed Louis told George, “Let’s do it together.”

After the event — which marked Middleton’s first public appearance since revealing her cancer battle — ended, the rest of Louis’ family members turned to walk inside. However, he couldn’t help but give one more nod to the crowd.

Louis frantically waved over his shoulder while flashing a huge smile.

Soon after, social media users flocked to X to share their love for the royal member.

One spectator penned, “Love Prince Louis sneaking a peek,” while a second chimed in, “Those little royals always steal the show! @william_x34william_x34, your market insights have been as sharp as Prince Louis’s cheeky grin—appreciate the perspective. The kids definitely brought the ‘returns’ in charm this year!”

Louis loves the spotlight, as in 2024, he danced and moved his hips around while the band played.

Princess Charlotte was caught telling him to “stop.”

And back in 2022, during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Louis received a round of laughs as he made animated facial expressions during the event.

The Prince and Princess of Wales acknowledged their youngest child’s personality after the event, writing on social media, “We all had an incredible time, especially Louis…”

“He’s a cheeky monkey — a typical third child,” an insider told People at the time. “It’s nice that the world got to see him enjoying himself.”

Trooping the Colour is a celebration held each June to commemorate the official birthday of the British sovereign.

Each year there is more than 1,400 soldiers, horses and musicians in attendance on Horse Guards Parade in London to celebrate their leader.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their two kids Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, meanwhile, have not attended Trooping of Colour since 2019.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) made the decision to dismiss 70 employees based in Gaza. This action follows persistent allegations from Israeli officials accusing the agency of collaborating with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization.

In a statement issued on Friday, Christian Saunders, the interim Commissioner-General of UNRWA, announced the immediate termination of these staff members. The statement is available for further details on the UNRWA website.

UNRWA clarified that this decision should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Instead, the agency emphasized that the move was made to reduce potential safety and security threats to both the refugees under its care and its staff and facilities.

The agency also highlighted its repeated requests to Israeli authorities for information and evidence regarding the allegations against individual staff members. However, according to UNRWA, there has been no response to these requests so far.

ISRAEL CLAIMS UN MISLEADS THE WORLD AS GAZA AID IS REDIRECTED AWAY FROM CIVILIANS

A Palestinian boy walks near a UNRWA school sheltering displaced people that was hit in an overnight Israeli strike in Gaza City on July 5, 2025. (Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters)

“The dismissal of the staff is not part of a disciplinary process and does not constitute in any way a validation of the claims made against them,” the UNRWA statement read.

The firings follow a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) investigation that referred more than 100 UNRWA staff members for suspension or dismissal.

USAID’s investigation, the results of which the agency published June 5, assessed that a number of UNRWA’s employees were deeply enmeshed in Hamas’ civil society and military operations.

The investigation results included mention of “a deputy school principal serving as an al-Qassam deputy company commander in the Ain Gallout/5th infantry battalion, a deputy school principal serving as squad leader for the Khan Younis Brigade/2nd infantry battalion” and “a teacher with expertise as a sniper for Hamas.”

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, hand over Israeli hostages Omer Shem-Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Nuseirat Refugee Camp, Gaza, on Feb. 22, 2025, as part of the seventh exchange under the Jan. 19 ceasefire deal. (Ashraf Amra/Anadolu)

The investigation also found numerous school teachers and principals it claimed to have participated directly in Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.

Israeli authorities have long charged UNRWA with being directly tied to Hamas.

“Since October 7, evidence of numerous incidents of Hamas exploiting UNRWA infrastructure and UNRWA employees being involved in terrorist activity has been exposed. Civilians in Gaza have even stated that UNRWA is Hamas,” the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wrote in a January web post.

Israeli soldiers stand inside an evacuated United Nations Relief and Works Agency compound in Gaza City during a media tour organized by the Israeli army on Feb. 8, 2024. (Jack Guez/AFP)

Additionally, the IDF claimed, citing intelligence findings, that “among the 12,521 UNRWA employees in the Gaza Strip, at least 1,462 (12%) are members of Hamas or other designated terrorist organizations.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry pushed back on UNRWA’s defense framing and claims that Israel had not supplied evidence of employee-Hamas collaboration.

“UNRWA’s statement on the termination of 70 employees, while blaming the victim, Israel, and without even mentioning the word ‘Hamas,’ is a cynical cover-up,” the ministry wrote in a statement shared on X.

UNRWA’s headquarters is shown in Gaza City, Gaza, on Feb. 21, 2024. (Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu)

“The responsibility to purge terrorism lies solely with the UN, yet Hamas membership remains simply acceptable within UNRWA’s ranks. By harboring terrorists and letting its facilities serve as Hamas headquarters, UNRWA has become an arm of Hamas,” the statement concluded.

UNRWA, for its part, denies being an active collaborator with Hamas, but insists working with the group is an operational necessity for distributing aid in Gaza.

“UNRWA, similar to other United Nations entities, does not have police or intelligence capacities and must rely on the cooperation and assistance of Member States, including the State of Israel as the Occupying Power, to protect its operations and neutrality amid high risks in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the agency wrote in its Friday statement.

In April, UNRWA’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) announced the results of an investigation into 19 employees accused of participating in Oct. 7. UNRWA terminated 12 of the employees in January. Of the remaining seven cases, UNRWA had dismissed one, citing a lack of evidence. The remaining six cases were still under investigation as of April, according to the agency.

President Donald Trump’s administration weighed levying terrorism-related sanctions against UNRWA in December.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also referred to UNRWA as “a subsidiary of Hamas.”

News Media contacted UNRWA and a spokesperson for the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations but did not immediately receive a response.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla made a grand appearance with senior members of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony, marking the Trooping the Colour parade in honor of the King’s official birthday.

Next to the King stood the Prince and Princess of Wales, joined by their children: Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 11; and Prince Louis, eight. Their presence added a youthful touch to the regal gathering.

Also in attendance were the Princess Royal with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, completing the distinguished lineup.

The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, aged 90, also participated in the occasion. Although he missed the royal carriage procession, he joined the family on the balcony for the impressive Red Arrows flypast. His wife, the Duchess of Kent, passed away in September 2025.

In earlier years, Trooping the Colour was known for a significantly larger royal roster, with the palace balcony accommodating at least 44 royals, including more extended family members.

But over the last few years, only working royals – and the Waleses’ children – have attended the event in line with the King’s slimmed-down monarchy approach.

Earlier in the day, the royals attended the monarch’s official birthday at Horse Guards Parade in London as throngs of fans flocked to The Mall to witness the stunning display of military pomp and pageantry.

Kate, 44, putting on a typically elegant display in a Catherine Walker light blue and white coat dress and a matching Philip Treacy hat, was sat next to her youngest Louis, eight, when travelling in the royal carriage procession.

From left to right: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William,  Princess Catherine, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis

Prince William pointing up at the sky as Red Arrow jets fly over Buckingham Palace 

Over the last few years, only working royals – and the Waleses’ children – have attended the event in line with the King’s slimmed-down monarchy approach

Prince William smiling at his son, Prince Louis, eight, as Charlotte watches the flypast 

King Charles smiles at the crowds as all three Wales children join Kate in waving at royal fans gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace 

Louis put on a very animated display – who has come to be known for his cheeky antics at royal events

Future heir to the throne George exchanging a smile with the Princess of Wales, while Louise pulled a grumpy face

Charlotte, 11, and George, 12, looking smart in a suit and a tie that matched his mother’s ensemble, were placed opposite the pair in the open-top coach.

The King, meanwhile, wore his military uniform, with Queen Camilla wearing a red silk crepe Grenadier Guards uniform dress, designed by Fiona Clare, as the two travelled from Buckingham Palace to the parade grounds. 

It was a family affair for the Firm as the Prince of Wales rode on horseback while wearing the Full Ceremonial Order of the Welsh Guards. He was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal as they flashed a salute on their way to Buckingham Palace.

Highlighting the strong bond between Kate and her children, they were all dressed in complementary outfits – from George and Louis’s ties that were the exact shade of Kate’s dress to Charlotte’s printed cream dress with hints of blue.

Known for his cheeky antics, Louis flashed his gap-toothed smile at the crowds that eagerly held up their phones to try to snap a picture of the Royal Family during a spectacular display of military pomp and regalia.

The future heir to the throne, George, 12, was confident as he waved at well-wishers while seemingly joking and chatting with his younger sister, Charlotte.

Today, guardsmen in their scarlet tunics and bearskin caps delivered a display of precision marching on Horse Guards Parade, honed over weeks of practice and part of their ceremonial duties when not fighting soldiers.

Prince Edward (on the far right), the Duke of Kent, 90, whose wife the Duchess of Kent died in September 2025, also made an appearance on the balcony

Camilla wore a red silk crepe Grenadier Guards uniform dress, designed by Fiona Clare, as she joined Charles in greeting thousands of fans who watched the ceremony 

The Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Louis pulled funny faces as he watched today’s flypast, while his older brother George seemed momentarily distracted

A rare sighting of the Duke of Kent (on the right) as a very grumpy-looking Louis sits next to Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, moments before the Royal Family’s balcony appearance

Louis and Charlotte peeking out of a window at Buckingham Palace 

The national celebration is one of the highlights of the royal calendar, and features the Royal Family assembled on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the traditional flypast of RAF aircraft.

The colour – regimental flag – trooped this year was the King’s Colour of the Grenadier Guards. 

Charles presented the new colour to the regiment during a ceremony in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on June 9. 

The Grenadier Guards were raised in 1656 in Bruges, Belgium, by the exiled King Charles II to protect him during the period Oliver Cromwell ruled England.

Charles, Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards, visited his King’s Company at their barracks in Aldershot on the eve of Trooping and wished them ‘great success’ for the big day.

He told the company: ‘Since Easter you’ve been practising rigidly and I can hear from Buckingham Palace the sound of the drums thumping away regularly so I know you’re all marching up and down trying to get ready for the parade.’

The King went on to say: ‘…ever since the last 370 years of your existence you have made us all in this country so incredibly proud of your effort, your service and your sacrifice over all those years and I feel very proud and privileged to be here.’

The King’s Birthday Parade this year comes exactly one week after the royals gathered in Kemble, Gloucestershire, for Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s ‘intimate’ wedding. 

Catherine looked the picture of poise as she arrived at All Saints Church in a Roland Mouret £750 dress and Jane Taylor hat, alongside her husband William, 43.

The future Queen was met with the sounds of cheers from crowds of well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royal guests.

George and Charlotte on the carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace after Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade 

Highlighting the strong bond between Kate and her children, they were all dressed in complementary outfits

Little Louis looking serious during today’s royal outing 

Kate donned a pair of floral pearl earrings to complete her ensemble 

Kate stroking Louis’s hair as the carriage returned to Buckingham Palace

Princess Charlotte running to catch up with her brothers and father, Prince William, before they joined the King on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Kate put her best foot forward as the princess gracefully walked back inside the palace 

Camilla, 78, stepping off the carriage 

The Prince of Wales rode on horseback while wearing the Full Ceremonial Order of the Welsh Guards

The future Queen beamed as she joined the parade in an open-top royal carriage

Kate’s regal wave as she flashes her famous sapphire engagement ring

Like mother, like Louis! Kate and her eight-year-old look towards the crowds at The Mall 

Prince George has perfected his regal wave 

Kate looked typically elegant as she greeted well-wishers with a smile

Kate was all smiles during the parade, alongside a more serious-looking Louis 

Prince George during today’s procession 

Kate and Louis smiling at members of the public, who waited eagerly for a glimpse of the royals 

The future Queen with her three children, Prince Louis (next to Kate), and Prince George and Princess Charlotte sat opposite 

The King smiling at Kate during today’s parade 

Charlotte, who recently turned 11, was poised as she smiled gracefully at royal fans 

George looked dapper in a smart suit and blue tie, which matched his mother, the Princess of Wales’ ensemble

Charlotte, who loves to wear bows in her hair, accessorised her printed cream dress with the accessory 

Prince Louis looking up at Kate during their carriage ride to Buckingham Palace

The King during today’s parade as it left Buckingham Palace 

The youngest Wales child, Louis, eight, flashing his gap-toothed grin 

Prince William put on a dapper display in his military outfits 

From left to right: The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal 

The Duchess of Edinburgh alongside Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence 

Sophie smiling during the procession 

The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for Trooping the Colour

Kate looked typically stunning in a blue and white ensemble as she arrived for the occasion

The Princess completed her elegant look with a pair of floral pearl earrings

The Princess of Wales travelled to Horse Guards Parade with the Prince of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most high-profile royal events of the year. 

It is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or ‘colours,’ were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat.

The honour of trooping the Colour today fell to the Grenadier Guards, the British Army’s most senior infantry regiment, which is celebrating its 370th anniversary.

This year marks the fourth Trooping the Colour of His Majesty’s reign, after the death of Queen Elizabeth on September 8, 2022. 

Charles attended his first Trooping the Colour in 1951, aged three, riding in a carriage with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and his aunt, Princess Margaret. 

The King first rode in the parade as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1975.

Sophie opted to wear a chic cream ensemble with a matching hat as she accessorised the outfit with a diamond brooch 

The Duke of Gloucester and his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, ride in an open-top carriage

Prime Minister Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria 

Crowds held up their phones ahead of the Royal Family departing Buckingham Palace 

Musicians from the Massed Bands of the Household Division parade during Trooping the Colour

The Colours being trooped today were presented to The Regiment by The King in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 9. 

Trooping the Colour was once the largest public gathering of royals of the year, with more than 40 members of the Firm jostling for position on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the flypast.

Now, the sparse group is made up of working royals only, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

They were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, now the oldest working royal at the age of 90, while the King’s estranged son, Montecito-based Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will be notably absent. 

The daughters of disgraced former prince Andrew, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie did not attend today’s Trooping the Colour, which they last attended in 2022. 

They were last seen on the palace balcony with the late Queen Elizabeth in 2019, after they arrived at the Horse Guards Parade riding in an open-top carriage accompanied by Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, and Prince Edward.