Anti-monarchy campaigners booed and jeered at Princess Kate and her children as they arrived for Trooping the Colour, a demonstration that saw umbrellas opened to spell out the words 'Stop The Reign'. The group Republic staged the protest as the royal family made their way to the King’s birthday parade in 2025.
On the Buckingham Palace balcony later, Kate issued a firm instruction to her youngest son, Prince Louis, according to a lip reader. As the Red Arrows flypast concluded and the national anthem began, the princess leaned towards her children and said: “National anthem. Louis, stand.” The 7-year-old, who had been fidgety and restless, immediately adjusted his posture and focused on the singing.
“Princess Kate told Prince Louis to stand for national anthem as anti-monarchists booed royal children at Trooping the Colour.”
The moment was caught by cameras and interpreted by lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who told The Mirror that Kate’s command was simple but clear. Louis had been largely kept in check by his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, throughout the day, but needed one brief reminder as the ceremony drew to a close.
Earlier, during the carriage procession along The Mall, George and Louis shared an endearing exchange. A professional lip reader told The Sun that Louis asked his brother: “Should I wave?” George replied: “It’s up to you, I can’t believe how sunny it is.” Louis then said: “Let’s do it together,” and the pair waved to the cheering crowds.
On the balcony, King Charles and Prince William reflected on the day’s events. As the RAF flypast ended, William turned to his father and said: “Oh my word, what a day,” to which Charles replied: “Great theatre.” During a later conversation about the aircraft, Charles pointed to a plane overhead and asked: “What is that?” William answered: “Errr, is that Poseidon?” before Prince George chimed in: “It’s a Poseidon, yeah.”
The royal family’s appearance came amid the backdrop of the Republic protest, which saw demonstrators booing Kate, George, Louis and Charlotte. The princess was seen glaring at the anti-monarchists as the family passed.