A lip reader has disclosed an animated exchange between King Charles and Queen Camilla during today’s Trooping the Colour royal carriage procession, as the King appeared to struggle with his coat. Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, interpreted Charles telling Camilla: 'I'm in a right mess. Could you get up? It's trapped, I need to pull it out so I am comfortable.' Camilla stood to free the coat, after which Charles said: 'Come on, let's wave.' The conversation then turned to a meeting on Monday: 'We shall wait and see them on Monday; it must be done,' Charles said, to which Camilla replied: 'Oh, don't worry.'
The private moment came during a day of pomp and pageantry that saw more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians march down The Mall to mark the King's official birthday. The Grenadier Guards' colour was 'trooped' through the ranks, carried by Second Lt Alec Goschen, who stands 6ft 7ins tall – reaching 8ft 6ins in his bearskin. The King wore the uniform of the Grenadier Guards, featuring the cypher of Queen Elizabeth II, while Queen Camilla wore a red Grenadier Guards uniform dress designed by Fiona Clarke with a black beret and a white plume.
“King Charles made a frustrated remark to Queen Camilla during Trooping the Colour as the Royal Family gathered for the annual parade.”
Later, the Royal Family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast. Alongside the King and Queen were the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight. Prince Louis, who at past events has been a scene-stealer, was on his best behaviour, though he appeared animated as he chatted to his parents during the flypast. The balcony moment highlighted royal continuity, with King Charles standing alongside two future monarchs: Prince William and Prince George.
Earlier, the King and Queen travelled in an open-top carriage, passing thousands of spectators lining the route from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. Riding in the military formation on horseback were the Prince of Wales (Colonel of the Welsh Guards), the Princess Royal (Colonel of the Blues and Royals), and the Duke of Edinburgh (Colonel of the Scots Guards). The Princess of Wales followed in a carriage with her three children. The parade concluded with a 41-gun salute by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery before the King led his guards back to Buckingham Palace.