Ministry of Defence jumps gun with Princess of Wales Trooping the Colour announcement

Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Photo / Getty Images

The Ministry of Defence has prompted confusion after announcing the Princess of Wales’ attendance at Trooping the Colour without consulting Kensington Palace.

The Army’s website announced that the princess, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, would review soldiers on parade on June 8. However, the palace was not consulted ahead of the announcement, and has not yet confirmed her attendance.

While plans are in place for the princess to attend, sources said the palace would make the official announcement as and when a final decision is made.

The MoD said the King, who is undergoing cancer treatment, would also be back in action for his official birthday parade on the following Saturday, June 15. Tickets have gone on sale for both events.

King Charles and Queen Camilla alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Photo / Getty Images

The announcement is the first to be announced for the princess since she stepped back from official duties to convalesce following abdominal surgery on January 16.

Buckingham Palace sources said that planning for the King’s future engagements continued, with allowance to be made for his changed circumstances, if necessary, nearer the time.

The Army’s website, which is selling tickets for £15 ($31.30), said the Trooping the Colour attended by the princess would be the same as the parade traditionally inspected by the monarch.

The site said: “Trooping the Colour reviewed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales is identical to Trooping the Colour reviewed by His Majesty The King, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride when His Majesty The King is present.

“Taking part will be over 1400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal reviews.

“Trooping the Colour reviewed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales also includes 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards who will line the processional route along The Mall. The soldiers will be inspected by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Colonel Irish Guards.”