Kate Middleton was caught giving a clear directive to her youngest son, Prince Louis, during the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace, according to a lip reader’s interpretation.
The senior royal family gathered today on the palace balcony to greet crowds assembled on the Mall for King Charles’ official birthday celebrations. Present alongside the Duchess of Cambridge were Prince William and their children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Louis. Other royals in attendance included King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Sophie Wessex.
Seven-year-old Louis captured attention with his cheerful, toothless grin and captivated gaze as the planes passed overhead during the ceremonial flypast. However, as the national anthem began playing, Kate was seen leaning towards Louis and appeared to instruct him seriously. Lip reader Jeremy Freeman interpreted her message as: “National anthem, Louis stand.” This command aligns perfectly with royal protocol, which requires members of the royal family and the public to stand respectfully during the anthem.
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While Kate addressed Louis, Prince William was observed casually chatting with his father, King Charles. Jeremy Freeman interpreted William’s words as an excited, “Oh my word, what a day,” to which the King replied, “Great theatre.”
Earlier in the day, during the journey from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, Charles and Camilla seemed engaged in a tense conversation. Freeman overheard phrases from the King’s side expressing frustration, such as: “Absolutely crazy, disgrace, absolutely extraordinary,” and a cryptic line, “Meanwhile, not like me. That’s the difference between me and him.” The identity of “him” is unclear, but lip reader Nicola Hickling suggested it could reference Prince Harry.
This year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony carried a somber tone following the tragic Air India plane crash, which claimed 241 lives. In a mark of respect, the royal family wore black armbands and observed a one-minute silence in memory of those lost.
The event maintained its historic military traditions, featuring over 1,000 British Army personnel marching in full ceremonial dress. Central to the ceremony was the presentation of the “Colour” — the regimental flag that historically served as a rallying standard on battlefields. Continuing longstanding custom, King Charles performed the ceremonial roll call, highlighting the importance of tradition during this significant royal occasion.