Striking Photo of a Stoic Prince William Alone on Horseback Snapped During Trooping the Colour

The 2024 Trooping the Colour parade has finally arrived! Every year, over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians and (of course) members of the British royal family come together to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign—a tradition which dates back to the reign of King Charles II. But it wouldn’t be a royal event without striking photography .

Today, Prince William , 41, rode on horseback during the Trooping the Colour parade. He was photographed solo, looking stoic in his red uniform and bearskin hat. During the procession, he rode alongside Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

John Phillips/Getty Images

During last year’s Trooping the Colour,  Prince William rode on horseback alongside his father, King Charles , as well as his uncle and aunt, Prince Edward and Princess Anne . However, this year, the 75-year-old monarch (who is currently undergoing medical treatment for a disclosed type of cancer ) broke royal tradition and rode in a carriage alongside his wife, Queen Camilla , during the parade.

This time last year, the Prince of Wales also took part in the iconic “ Balcony photo ,” where the future king was joined by his wife, Kate Middleton , 42, and their three children, Prince George , 10, Princess Charlotte , 8, and Prince Louis , 6.

CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES

This latest photo of the future king comes a few weeks after the Prince of Wales traveled to Portsmouth, England, to attend an honorary ceremony dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings .

A stunning photo taken of the royal (which was posted on the official royal family’s Instagram account ) shows Prince Wiliam walking onstage alone with a sea of people sitting in an audience. The six-foot-three prince can be seen donning a dark navy blue suit with a white collared shirt and dress shoes.

The caption read, “Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who ensured that Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for their safe return. #DDay80.”

Two gorgeous snaps of the prince, indeed.

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