William and the children: Happy Father's Day greetings from the parade!

William and the children: Happy Father's Day greetings from the parade!

On Saturday, June 15, 2025, the annual Trooping The Color parade took place in London, where Kate and William presented themselves with their children. This colorful ceremony celebrates the official birthday of King Charles III. and is a traditional event that took place this year in changeable weather. The Royals initially had to contend with rain during the day, but the weather conditions improved in time for the balcony performance.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were joined at the celebrations by the Prince and Princesses of Wales, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Lady Louise Windsor and other members of the royal family were also present on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. During the parade, the Royals looked confidently into the sky as the traditional RAF flypast took place. Prince Louis in particular was particularly enthusiastic about pointing to the flying machines.

A family moment

The family also celebrated Father's Day in the UK on Sunday, June 15. To mark the occasion, the couple released two heartwarming photos of William with his children. One of the pictures shows the three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, smiling happily into the camera. In the second picture, the children can be seen hugging and tickling William. The message accompanying the photos read: "Happy Father's Day, Dad (before and after!). We love you!", followed by the children's initials.

The pictures were taken by photographer Josh Sinner, who has skillfully captured the family in the past, including for their 2023 Christmas card. This is notable because Kate usually handles the camera and is behind the pictures.

Tradition and modernized monarchy

“Trooping the Color” is a traditional event that is more than 270 years old and first took place in 1748. King Charles III officially celebrates its birthday on November 14th, but the parade will be held in June to ensure safer and better weather in London. The ceremony provides the armed forces with an opportunity to salute and pay respect to the monarch.

This year, King Charles wants to send a signal of the strength and continuity of the monarchy. Given the health challenges within the family, the current circumstances signal a new era. The monarch is striving for a “slimmer” monarchy, which is also reflected in the selection of royals present who were seen on the balcony. Catherine, Princess of Wales made her first public appearance in more than six months, further underlining the importance of the event.

The “Trooping the Color” parade consists not only of breathtaking production but also of military discipline, in which senior officers and soldiers of the Household Division take part. This poignant tradition, which also includes musical performances, helps strengthen the bond between the monarch and the military.

Future broadcasts and celebrations, such as ZDF's on July 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., will continue to give the public insights into royal life and honor the traditional moment of "Trooping the Color."