There was no doubt who they’d come to see – as the wall of cheers echoed around the Queen Victoria Memorial the crowds showed their appreciation for a monarch like no other, marking a moment that Britain has never seen before.
The pageantry was spectacular, the Queen’s birthday parade formal and official but at heart a family occasion.
And that was clear from the very first carriage as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis took their first ride down The Mall along with their mother Kate, and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Jubilee live: Kim Jong Un and Obama congratulate Queen; all eyes on grumpy Louis at flypast
Image: Prince William’s children took a trip down The Mall. Pic: AP
Image: Prince Charles during Trooping The Colour. Pic: AP
Their father, Prince William, joined Prince Charles and Princess Anne riding on horseback to take their place on the parade ground.
With the Queen unable to travel to watch the Irish Guards troop their colour, the trio had been despatched to deputise on her behalf and take the salute.
The Queen’s great-grandchildren watched from the windows of the major general’s office overlooking Horse Guards Parade, and also caught up with those they hadn’t seen in a while.
Image: Pic: AP
Image: Pic: AP
It wasn’t a secret that Meghan and Harry were going to be there, but from the whole event we only got a few blurry photographs of the couple as they kept a low profile from the cameras.
As the military returned to barracks and the crowds were ushered on to The Mall and towards the palace, you could see the sheer number of people who had come to get a front row seat for this moment.
This was clearly a much-needed celebration for many – even during these difficult times.
Image: Pic: AP
Twice we saw the Queen on the balcony; the family watching the flypast was the highlight.
Prince Louis certainly isn’t the first child to steal the show on that big family moment, his hands over his ears as the noisy planes roared overhead, but it was genuinely touching to see the Queen clearly sharing some words of wisdom with her great grandson.
With the family back inside, we received unexpected news – Prince Andrew has COVID.
We weren’t expecting to see him at Trooping The Colour but there were other events where he might have appeared this weekend, especially after the Queen made it clear how keen she was to have her relatives around her.
It was a genuine family moment. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren again the supporting cast for a monarch showing us she has great faith in the future of her Royal Family.
