In pictures: Most memorable Buckingham Palace balcony moments - Prince Louis' hilarious expressions to wedding kisses
Many members of the monarchy have provided iconic moments over the yearsThe Buckingham Palace balcony has been the heart of many unforgettable royal family moments over the years.
From historic events to the younger royals causing mischief, the balcony has provided the public with so many moments to look back on.
Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
1. Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on Buckingham Palace balcony
In June 1953, Queen Elizabeth II‘s coronation took place after she became monarch in February 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.
The moment was historic, and members of the public gathered outside the palace to witness the queen in her new role.
2. Charles and Diana’s wedding kiss on balcony
In July 1981, the then Prince Charles married Princess Diana in a ceremony watched by millions worldwide.
The moment they kissed on the palace balcony has gone down in history and remains one of the most memorable moments.
The wedding was referred to as the “wedding of the century” at the time.
3. Prince William laughing with Queen Elizabeth II
In a touching moment from 2010, Prince William was seen laughing with his grandmother the queen.
The royal family gathered on the balcony for Trooping the Colour – the monarch’s official birthday parade.
One moment captured seen William laughing with his hand on his stomach as the queen looked at him and appeared to say something.
4. William and Kate kiss on the balcony at their wedding
The balcony has played host to many royal weddings over the years, and Prince William and Kate Middleton followed tradition in 2011.
After tying the knot at Westminster Abbey, the newlyweds then made their balcony appearance to roaring crowds below.
They shared a kiss, leaving members of the public erupting into cheers.
5. Prince George’s Buckingham Palace balcony debut
Prince George, now 11, made his first palace balcony appearance during Trooping the Colour in 2015.
The little royal, who was almost two, was carried by his dad Prince William as the royals watched the RAF flypast.
And the tot made sure to give his best royal wave to the crowds that had gathered outside the palace. George also wore a light blue outfit that looked similar to the outfit worn by William during his own balcony debut in 1984.
How sweet!
6. Princess Charlotte’s tears on palace balcony
A year later, George’s sister Princess Charlotte made her balcony debut at Trooping the Colour.
Although that went smoothly, things didn’t when Charlotte appeared on the balcony in 2018.
The royals gathered on the balcony for Trooping the Colour as they watched the RAF flypast. But poor Charlotte took a tumble and was left in tears as mum Kate tried to comfort her.
7. Meghan Markle made her Trooping the Colour debut in 2018
That same year, it was Meghan Markle‘s debut at Trooping the Colour. After tying the knot with Prince Harry in May 2018, a month later, the newlyweds made their debut as a married couple.
The couple looked loved-up as they gazed and spoke to each other on the balcony. Meghan looked stunning in a light pink dress and matching hat while Harry wore his uniform.
8. Queen Elizabeth II’s moment with Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour 2022
In June 2022, just three months before her death, Queen Elizabeth II made her final Buckingham Palace balcony appearances to mark her platinum jubilee.
During the weekend of celebrations, the queen made an appearance for Trooping the Colour.
And one moment which left fans gushing saw the monarch talking to great-grandson Prince Louis as they watched the flypast.
9. Prince Louis’ Buckingham Palace balcony moments
Since making his balcony debut in 2019, Prince Louis has never failed to entertain.
But it was during the queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations that he really stole the show with his funny faces and expressions.
We all had an incredible time, especially Louis…
One moment saw him yawning and another saw him covering his ears as the planes flew above them. Louis caught the attention of fans and he soon went viral across social media thanks to his antics.
William and Kate were also amused by Louis’ behaviour, writing on social media at the time: “We all had an incredible time, especially Louis…”
10. Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour 2023
More recently, in 2023, Louis once again stole the show at Trooping the Colour.
He pulled funny faces, put his head in his hands in a bored expression and did a two-hand wave leaving the nation entertained.
Now, each year, fans look forward to seeing what Louis is going to do!
11. King Charles III’s coronation
In May 2023, the king’s coronation took place months after he became monarch.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned in a service at Westminster Abbey.
After a procession back to Buckingham Palace, they then appeared on the balcony with senior members of the royal family.
It provided a historic moment within the monarchy.
12. Princess of Wales’ balcony return
2024 was a tough year for the Princess of Wales after she was diagnosed with cancer.
She announced her diagnosis publicly in March and said she would be stepping back from duties. However, in June, she made an appearance at Trooping the Colour, delighting fans with her radiant appearance.
Dressed in a white tailored coat dress and a matching hat, Kate was all smiles as she joined in on the celebrations.
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