Prince Louis' 'question' to Queen Elizabeth II at her final Trooping the Colour balcony appearance
2022 marked the queen's final Trooping the Colour appearance
On the Buckingham Palace balcony during Queen Elizabeth II’s final Trooping the Colour in 2022, it was Prince Louis who stole the show.
The then four-year-old prince captivated the nation with his cheeky charm.
But amid all his antics, it was a simple, innocent question to his great-grandmother that melted hearts. The 2022 Trooping the Colour ceremony coincided with the queen’s platinum jubilee to mark her 70 years on the throne.
What did Prince Louis say on the balcony?
According to lipreader Jeremy Freeman at the time, Louis, watching the sky intently, asked Queen Elizabeth II: “Are the Red Arrows coming?”
“I hope so,” the late monarch replied, according to Jeremy, as reported by The Mirror.
Soon after, as the famous Red Arrows soared over Buckingham Palace, painting the sky red, white, and blue, Louis’ excitement reached new heights.
Jeremy claimed that the young prince exclaimed, “yes, yes, yes!”, while the queen remarked softly: “There it is.”
Louis responded with awe: “Oh, Red Arrows, whoah!”
Their sweet exchange captured the bond between the longest-reigning monarch and her great-grandson.
Jeremy also noted a moment when Louis, overwhelmed by the roar of aircraft, covered his ears as the planes formed a giant “70” in the sky to mark the queen’s reign.
The queen reportedly said “ohh fun,” while Princess Kate chimed in with “amazing,” and Princess Charlotte gushed, “wow”.
As Louis held his ears, he reportedly exclaimed: “Whoa, that was loud!”
Kate, ever the proud mum, reportedly turned to Prince William and said: “Look at him,” as they watched their youngest child’s delight.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is one of the most iconic events in the British royal calendar.
Traditionally staged to mark the monarch’s official birthday, the annual ceremony features a military parade and a Royal Air Force flypast.
The flypast is traditionally watched by the royal family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Originating in the 17th century, the event evolved from military drills designed to prepare troops for battle into a colourful display of national pride.
How old was Prince Louis when the queen died?
Prince Louis was only four years old when Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, aged 96.
Prince Louis’ public appearances
Meanwhile, Prince Louis, now seven, has continued to charm royal watchers at public events.
Earlier this year, during the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Louis once again captured attention of the public with his playful antics.
While watching a 1,300-strong military parade on The Mall, Louis was seen flicking his hair back, imitating older brother Prince George, and tugging on Prince William’s military uniform.
At one point, he tried, politely but persistently, to get his father’s attention while William was speaking with a representative from the Royal British Legion.
Later, on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Louis once again entertained royal fans as the planes soared overhead. His wide-eyed wonder and expressive reactions brought smiles to the crowd.
But when it mattered most, Louis knew how to switch into royal mode. The young prince was seen standing still for the national anthem alongside his siblings under the watchful eye of his mother.
Read more: Unexpected reason King Charles has two birthdays every year
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