'Unwritten rules' the royal family follow for the Buckingham Palace balcony
Is there any significance to how royals line up?The British royal family are world renown, and whenever members such as King Charles or Prince William step out on Buckingham Palace balcony it’s a sight to behold.
The balcony, situated off the East Wing where the Yellow Drawing Room, Centre Room and the Principal Corridor is located, is one of the most famous balconies around the globe.
During important events, such as Trooping the Colour or royal weddings, the monarch and their family will step out and wave to the adoring crowds below.
But what are the rules for the balcony at Buckingham Palace, who is allowed up there and can anyone stand in their place? Let’s find out by diving into royal history.
Who are the people on the balcony at Buckingham Palace?
The people who stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace will consist of the monarch – in this case King Charles – and his/her spouse (Queen Camilla). Other members of the royal family will join them at certain events, like the King’s Birthday or VE Day.
It usually follows the line of succession, with Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte joining King Charles and Queen Camilla. Other working royals are also seen, such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Prince Edward and his wife Sophie), or The Princess Royal – Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Lawrence.
The Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is often seen at royal events as well. His wife, Katherine, the Duchess of Kent, has kept a low profile after stepping back from royal duties in 2002 at age 92.
Royals tend to make appearances on the balcony during weddings, jubilees, coronations and major state ceremonies. King George V (Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather) also stood on the balcony during key dates associated with conflict. In 1914, he stood out there to offer reassurance after the UK officially went to war with Germany. His son, King George VI, stood on the balcony with Winston Churchill and his daughters Princess Elizabeth and Margaret on VE Day in 1945 as well.
Who is allowed on the Buckingham Palace balcony?
During the late Queen’s reign you would see the balcony filled to the brim with working and non-working royals.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, would join his daughters Princess Beatrice and Eugenie alongside his mother and siblings. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a few appearances on the balcony as well, before they left The Firm.
Princess Anne’s children also would attend, including Zara and Mike Tindall and their children.
However, since the beginning of King Charles’ reign he has instead prioritised only working royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Read more: Inside the royal family tree – from King Charles III to the youngest members of the monarchy
During VE Day celebrations in May 2025, King Charles was joined by Queen Camilla, his son William and his family, Princess Anne and her husband, Prince Edward and his wife Sofie and The Duke of Kent. It’s a much smaller affair than previous events. This is said to be in line with his plans of a modern and ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy.
A source previously told The Mirror: “The King has been very clear who he wants to represent the monarchy. There is little room for sentiment. This is a State occasion, not a family occasion. And it is right that only the working members of the family are there at the big public moment.”
They added: “The balcony moment will be the King’s final presentation of a slimmed down monarchy. Of course, it will be even further slimmed down once the Gloucesters, Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra finally step away from public life and into their well-earned retirements. It is a final thank you for them and a nod to their support of his mother during her 70 year reign.”
Can you stand on Buckingham Palace balcony?
No, only members of the royal family can stand on Buckingham Palace’s balcony. Even then, it is down to the monarch. However, visitors can explore the room behind the balcony as part of the guided tours of the East Wing.
But there has been changes made before. Although the late Queen would usually have a lot of royals on the balcony, in the last year of her life she went against that.
She made the decision to not have Prince Andrew, Harry and Meghan on the balcony during the Platinum Jubilee celebration.
A palace spokesman said at the time: “After careful consideration, the Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday 2nd June will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen.”
Is there an order royals follow?
Despite any claims concerning the significance of the occasion in family or state terms, there is no official meaning to the presentation.
And in constitutional and monarchical terms, there is no valid reason for the positioning of royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony. However, a central position for the monarch does hint at it being purposefully ordered.
Neither is there any meaning when it comes state protocol regarding the matter. It is merely a decision concerning the royal family’s consideration of itself.
Usually the monarch and his/her spouse are in the middle with the heirs and their family to their side.
Unless it’s a royal wedding, where the bride and groom take centre stage.
Previous appearances followed Queen’s tradition
Nonetheless, comparing balcony appearances for previous Trooping the Colour occasions, as well as the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, does indicate there are royal family traditions regarding the arrangement.
There is not a fixed list of attendees, each occasion has individual requirements. However, it tends to include the monarch, their spouse, the first and second in line to the throne, and their spouses.
Previous Trooping the Colour events saw the balcony packed with the Queen’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and their relatives. But for the Jubilee in 2022, those numbers were slashed. Indeed, the Queen’s own final showings were limited to herself and royals “currently undertaking official public duties” on her behalf.
Queen Victoria kicked off the tradition
It was back in 1851 when Queen Victoria began the tradition of standing on Buckingham Palace balcony. She did so during the opening celebrations of the Great Exhibition in 1851.
Seven years later, she and her family stepped out again. This time to acknowledge fans who had gathered for the wedding of her daughter Princess Victoria. Ever since, the royal family have appeared to follow tradition, even after their nuptials.
The then Prince Charles and Princess Diana followed the ritual after their wedding. William and Kate had their famous double-kiss on the balcony as well.
Whereas, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not have a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance. This was because they tied the knot at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. As it was not central London, it was too far to make it happen.
Read more: Strict rules the royal family follows – from heirs travelling apart to avoiding shellfish
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