Princess Anne made a triumphant return to horseback riding during the Trooping the Colour procession, her first public ride since an injury last summer. At 73, she rode the historically unruly horse Noble down The Mall, demonstrating her expert equestrian skills without detracting from the parade. Dressed in her full ceremonial uniform as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, complete with a bicorn hat, jodhpurs, riding boots, and the Collars of the Order of the Garter and Sash of the Order of the Thistle, she looked magnificent. She rode alongside her brothers, Prince William and Prince Edward, as part of the tradition tied to her military title.
Trooping the Colour is a historic British military ceremony celebrating the sovereign’s official birthday, held annually in June with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. The event features regiments of the British Army, senior royals on horseback or on the palace balcony, and concludes with an RAF flypast. Princess Anne is unique among female royals in wearing military uniform at such events due to her honorary military titles and extensive patronages. This year, she also wore a black armband as a tribute to the victims of the recent Air India tragedy, following King Charles III’s request.
