Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, faced an uncommon yet growing reaction from the English public. She remained composed on Saturday after being booed by a group of anti-monarchy protesters during Trooping the Colour.
Kate, 44, rode in the Ascot Landau carriage alongside her kids, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. The family traveled through central London from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade.
During the procession, the Windsor family passed by a demonstration that was organized by the group Republic. Protesters carried signs with messages like “Stop the Reign,” chanting slogans that said “Not my King” and “Not my Queen.”
Despite the chants and the protest, which were widely shared on videos in social media, the Princess remained calm. Her only reaction appeared to be a quick glance directed towards the area where the demonstrators were gathered.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesThe Princess looked elegant in an outfit that’s been much discussed by royal watchers; a blue Catherine Walker ensemble that she paired with a matching wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Color is one of the year’s grand annual event marking the King’s birthday. Although King Charles III was born on November 14 and will turn 78 later this year, the ceremony is held every June.
It features the customary military display at Horse Guards Parade, while thousands of spectators line the streets to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family.
© SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettAn impressive flypast
Kate and her children appeared to disregard the booing and the protests quickly, joining other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the traditional flypast following the carriage procession. They were joined by other key figures in the monarchy, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Tim Laurence.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent were also present.
As has often been the case at recent royal events, Prince Louis stole the spotlight. The adorable 8 year old showed his most spontaneous reactions; he was seen leaning over to look through an open window and searching for the best vantage point to watch the aircrafts swooping overhead.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageAnti-monarchy protests
The Metropolitan Police said anti-monarchy protesters were required to remain within a designated area along The Mall during the Trooping the Colour celebrations. According to authorities, the restrictions were intended to ensure the event could proceed “without serious disruption and with as little disturbance to the horses as possible.”
Republic, meanwhile, announced plans to protest “directly in front of Buckingham Palace” when members of the Royal Family appeared on the balcony. Its chief executive, Graham Smith, described the restrictions as “contemptible” and argued they forced demonstrators into a location “where members of the Royal Family won’t be able to see us.”
Smith said one of the protest’s key messages was to demand accountability from the Royal Family regarding its connection to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of numerous sex offenses. He was a noted connection of Prince Andrew, who’s experienced the fallout of that relationship in recent years.
Republic advocates for the abolition of the British monarchy and says its goal is to “hold the Royal Family to account.”
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