King Charles is said to be determined to attend Trooping the Colour – the sovereign’s official birthday parade – in June despite receiving treatment for cancer, and it is reported changes could be made to the ceremony to allow him to attend
King Charles could reportedly make key changes to a major royal event to ensure he can attend amid his battle with cancer.
It has been reported that the monarch is hoping to attend the annual Trooping the Colour event – the sovereign’s birthday parade – that is set to take place on June 15. On February 5, Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old King had been diagnosed with cancer and would not be taking part in any public-facing duties while he receives treatment. He is thought to be continuing with behind-the-scenes work on state papers and recently, he has also taken part in a select number of engagements behind palace walls, such as a pre-Budget meeting with chancellor Jeremy Hunt earlier this month.
However, according to the Daily Mail, plans are now being looked at by palace aides that will allow him to be at Trooping the Colour alongside his family in the summer. According to the publication, modifications to the event could be made, including seeing him being driven in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, rather than riding a horse and watching the proceedings from a podium.
However, it is understood that any decisions will depend on the state of his health at the time and will be made according to medical advice. Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment. It comes several weeks after the Army removed a claim on its website that the Princess of Wales is reviewing Trooping the Colour in June. Tickets were being sold on the official website for the Trooping dress rehearsal on June 8, advertising an appearance by Kate.
The princess is currently recovering from abdominal surgery and is not expected to resume duties until at least Easter. It is understood the event details were published because of Kate’s role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the regiment which is trooping its colour this year. However, it is understood the Army did not seek approval from Kensington Palace before publishing the page, and the website has been updated.
It also named the King as attending the main Trooping ceremony on June 15, also known as the Birthday Parade, because it marks the sovereign’s official anniversary, with bookings being taken for a ballot for tickets. The announcement caused confusion because there had been no official confirmation from Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace.
However, Kate’s recovery from surgery appears to have passed a new milestone after she was reportedly spotted enjoying a day out with her children. Kate and husband William spent Sunday morning watching Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis taking part in a sporting event, according to The Sun. The Waleses were also seen in the Windsor Farm Shop on Saturday, a short drive from their Adelaide Cottage home in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the newspaper claimed.
The sightings come after Kate’s absence from public life, following abdominal surgery on January 16, led to wild conspiracy theories on social media about her whereabouts and health status. Details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.
