King Charles is believed to have broken royal protocol with regards to Kate Middleton during last year’s Trooping the Colour.

Members of the royal family assembled on Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the monarch in June 2024 for the annual official celebration of the king’s birthday. Even though King Charles was born on  actual birthday falls on November 14, his official birthday celebrations have taken place in June for the two times it has occurred so far following his accession and coronation.

However, during the most recent balcony gathering, observers noted the king’s treatment of his daughter-in-law Kate.

Kate smiles alongside her husband Prince William and their children for Trooping the Colour in 2024 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour 2024 amid cancer battle

That’s because Kate Middleton was positioned next to the king. The previous year, this spot was reserved for his son – and her husband – Prince William.

Furthermore, it was clear how relaxed they are in each other’s company. The pair spoke with one another as the crowds watched on. And she reportedly made the king laugh in the moments before the National Anthem played.

And according to one royal insider, the gesture of having Kate in close proximity could be interpreted as evidence of the strength of the bond between her and the king.

Additionally, with both having suffered health woes over the past 18 months, Kate’s positioning could also be seen as a mark of respect. This may be especially so as she decided to return to the public eye on the occasion after several months as she herself recovered from cancer.

Kate, Princess of Wales, speaks with King Charles (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Former royal butler Grant Harrold previously told OK!: “It is changing protocol to show the king and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles. So I would say this is down to the king’s preference.

I would say this is down to the king’s preference.

“The balcony [line-up] is orchestrated, so I have a feeling the king said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me.’”

Prince William stood next to King Charles for Trooping the Colour in 2023 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Why does the monarch have two birthdays?

Celebrating the monarch’s birthday has been a tradition in the UK since 1748, during the reign of King George II.

During the first Trooping the Colour of his reign in 2023, King Charles inspected his troops on horseback, the first time this had been done during the event since 1986.

Last year, however, while undergoing cancer treatment, he chose to ride in a carriage instead.

According to reports, Trooping the Colour became a summer event due to better weather during June than winter.

It also usually coincides with the publication of the king’s Birthday Honours List.

Queen Elizabeth II looks at Prince Louis during her final Trooping the Colour in 2022 (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Read more: Meghan Markle faced ‘yawning silence’ after awkward Kate Middleton encounter at Trooping the Colour

More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and hundreds of musicians take part in Trooping the Colour. And thousands of spectators lined The Mall hoping for a glimpse of the royals and the RAF flypast.