King Charles III broke royal protocol earlier this summer following his and ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales’ respective cancer battles.
The announcement that King Charles, 75, and 42-year-old Kate were both diagnosed with cancer came just over a month apart, with the former making his illness known via a Palace statement and the mother-of-three through a heartbreaking video.
Neither the princess nor the monarch have revealed what type of cancer they have been dealing with, the pair took on a united front during this year’s Trooping the Colour after previously bowing out of public events.
The ceremonial parade, which was held this year on June 15, has been used to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years.
The event sees thousands of horses, musicians and soldiers coming together to celebrate the momentous occasion.
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Once the King arrived at Horse Guard's Parade in Whitehall, he and his family were greeted by a Royal salute before inspecting the troops.
The Regimental Colour was then passed down the ranks of soldiers and once the Foot Guards had marched past the monarch, they rode back to Buckingham Palace.
Charles himself also made his way to the royal residence in central London.
Upon his return, he was joined by other members of the Royal Family on a central balcony, located in the East Wing of the palace.
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The monarch’s family joined him on the balcony in a long-standing royal practice started by Queen Victoria.
The first ruler to utilise the balcony, she brought out her family to acknowledge the crowd during the wedding of her daughter, Princess Victoria to Prince Albert in January 1858.
During the most recent Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15, eagle-eye Royal fans realised that Charles had broken protocol.
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While waving to the gathered crowd on the famous balcony, the UK’s ruler asked his daughter-in-law Kate to stand with him.
OK! Magazine reports that during the event, Kate leaned in and ‘whispered’ to her father-in-law, causing him to chuckle before the English national anthem, ‘God Save the King’, was performed.
In an interview with the publication, former royal butler Grant Harrold confirmed this was a move that differed from the norm.
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“It is changing protocol to show the King and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles, so I would say this is down to the King’s preference,” he said, speaking of the pair’s respective cancer battles.
He added that Charles may have said to Kate himself: “You stand next to me.”
Topics: Royal Family, Kate Middleton, King Charles III, UK News
Ella Scott