A brief moment during the Trooping the Colour celebration has sparked conversation after Queen Camilla was seen appearing to walk slightly ahead of King Charles III on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Lip-reading experts have also weighed in, attempting to decipher what the king might have said during the event.
On June 14, 2025, the Royal Family—including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—gathered to commemorate the annual Trooping the Colour. While the family looked polished in their formal attire, it was Queen Camilla’s actions that drew particular attention.
Standing together on the palace balcony in majestic style, the royals presented a unified front. King Charles III stood out in his bright red military uniform adorned with gold details, medals, and shoulder epaulettes, projecting an image of proud leadership.
Queen Camilla, beside him, wore a crisp white coatdress and a wide-brimmed hat, radiating calm grace and refined poise appropriate to her role.
Bringing vibrancy to the scene were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. Prince William’s uniform matched the king’s, while Princess Catherine stunned in a tailored teal outfit with a matching fascinator, enhancing her elegant silhouette. Princess Charlotte stood nearby in a mint-green puff-sleeved dress with a white waist sash. Prince George and Prince Louis wore navy suits with red ties, adding to the polished family image.
However, it was a video shared across social media that gained traction—showing Queen Camilla stepping onto the balcony slightly before King Charles. Although he followed close behind, the brief moment where she appeared to take the lead became a talking point online.
The rest of the royals soon joined them, forming a neat lineup to enjoy the military flypast. King Charles waved warmly to the cheering crowd before seemingly whispering to Camilla, prompting her to adjust her position slightly to his side. The royal family then looked skyward as aircraft roared overhead in the pageantry’s signature aerial display.
Throughout the appearance, the family engaged in light conversation and exchanged glances, highlighting their cohesion amid the pomp and circumstance.
But once the video gained momentum online, public commentary quickly emerged. Observers debated Queen Camilla’s positioning and her choice of attire. One viewer commented, “Camilla had no idea—Charles had to tell her to move right. She was hogging the center.” Another added, “Did she walk in front of him again? No manners.” Others speculated that the king nearly nudged her aside or questioned her decision to lead him onto the balcony.
Further remarks touched on Camilla’s demeanor, with some calling her “fidgety” or “awkward,” while others speculated on the couple’s exchange, suggesting King Charles told her to shift. Fashion critiques also emerged, with some criticizing her outfit as outdated or unsuited for the occasion—particularly questioning her choice of a white ensemble.
The flurry of online reactions reflected the intense public scrutiny the royal family faces—where every gesture, word, and fashion choice becomes a subject of discussion.
Adding to the intrigue, professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman focused on a separate part of the day’s festivities. While accompanying Queen Camilla in a carriage en route to Horse Guards Parade, King Charles appeared to make an animated comment.
Surrounded by the grandeur of the military procession—including over 1,000 soldiers, regimental banners, and mounted troops—the king was seen speaking with notable expression. Freeman interpreted his words as: “Absolutely crazy, disgrace, absolutely extraordinary,” followed by the cryptic line, “on my way out,” and “not like me. That’s the difference between me and him.”
Although the target of these remarks was not confirmed, speculation suggested they might reference a strained relationship between King Charles and his brother, Prince Andrew—especially regarding disputes over Royal Lodge and financial matters.
Amid all the spectacle, a solemn moment was also observed: a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Air India disaster, which claimed 241 lives. The royal family wore black armbands in tribute, balancing tradition with heartfelt remembrance.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
Beyond social media buzz and viral clips, Trooping the Colour remains one of Britain’s most iconic royal ceremonies, steeped in tradition and military precision. Held every June for over 260 years, the event marks the official birthday of the monarch.
The ceremony features over 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses, parading from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. The Sovereign inspects the troops, the regimental flag—the “Colour”—is displayed, and a grand march-past concludes the formalities.
After returning to the palace, the king takes a second salute from a platform before being joined by other royals for the balcony appearance and the dramatic Royal Air Force flypast.
The event ends with a 41-gun salute in Green Park, rounding off one of the country’s most cherished displays of national pride and royal tradition.