Prince William practises for Trooping the Colour ahead of stepping in for the Queen at the Jubilee celebrations
PRINCE William put on a fine display today as he practised for the Trooping the Colour ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
The Duke of Cambridge, 39, took part in the near-full run-through this morning as he prepared to step in for the Queen, 96, during her annual birthday parade next week.
The Queen’s birthday celebrations, which will take place on June 2, see her Household Division troops march and ride on Horse Guards Parade.
Her Majesty usually attends and takes salute herself – but this year, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal will step in.
The royals will take the royal salute on horseback due to the Queen’s ongoing mobility issues.
And they will ride on the parade as colonels of the Welsh Guards, the Irish Guards and the Blues and Royals.
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Wills was the only one among them seen at today’s final run-through, known as the Colonel’s Review.
But fortunately, things went without a hitch, after last week’s chaotic rehearsal saw three people taken to hospital as sections of the spectator stands collapsed.
The future king donned his red and blue military uniform for the occasion, along with a traditional bearskin hat.
He also appeared as composed as ever, holding the reigns of his horse with one hand while keeping the other free to salute.
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It comes after it was revealed last week the Queen would not receive a royal salute at the Trooping the Colour for the first time in 70 years.
She has attended the event to take the royal salute every year of her reign, except in 1955 when it was cancelled due to a national rail strike.
The Trooping will mark the beginning of the national celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on June 2.
Her Maj will be at the event – but it’s been modified with her comfort in mind.
She won’t be on horseback, as she has been in the past, but instead, plans are being made to have her travel in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to inspect the troops.
For the last two years, she has been seated on a dais during the scaled-back Covid-restricted events.
It’s then hoped she’ll appear on the traditional balcony moment with her family.
Last week’s chaotic Trooping the Colour rehearsal saw three people taken to hospital as sections of the spectator stands collapsed.
Crowds were evacuated and screams rang out in terror.
A total of five people were treated for injuries, London Ambulance Service said, including two taken to a major trauma centre.
An Army spokesperson said after the horror: “During the Major General’s Review on Horse Guards Parade, two parts of the viewing stand unfortunately gave way, resulting in a small number of injuries.
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“The emergency services were called to assist those who were injured and the remaining crowds were safely evacuated from the stands.
“Safety is our number one priority and we are urgently working with our partners and relevant organisations to understand what happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”