In a rare moment of visible tension, King Charles III appeared to engage in a sharp exchange with Queen Camilla during the Trooping the Colour ceremony, sparking widespread speculation among royal observers. The event, held annually to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday, took place with full pomp and pageantry, featuring a grand display of military precision, horse-drawn carriages, and appearances from senior royals.
Princess Kate made a much-anticipated public return, riding in a separate carriage with her children. Prince William and Princess Anne followed closely behind the monarch’s carriage on horseback. However, despite the grandeur, the focus quickly shifted to what appeared to be a moment of frustration between the King and Queen Camilla while en route to the ceremonial grounds.
Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman, speaking to The Mirror, claimed to have interpreted a segment of their conversation, shedding light on the tension. According to Freeman, King Charles was seen saying, “Absolutely crazy, disgrace, absolutely extraordinary.”
Freeman, who has interpreted numerous royal engagements in the past, acknowledged that he couldn’t decipher the entire exchange, but reported further remarks from the King. “He was ‘on his way out’ and then added, ‘Meanwhile, not like me,’” Freeman noted.
The monarch reportedly continued, “That’s the difference between me and him,” though the identity of “him” was not clarified during the exchange. Observers and royal analysts have speculated that the King may have been referencing his younger brother, Prince Andrew, with whom he has had a long-standing and well-documented strained relationship.
Though the palace has not issued any statements regarding the incident or the content of the exchange, royal commentators have suggested that such moments, though rare in public view, highlight the human side of the monarchy. Tensions, especially during high-pressure state occasions, are not uncommon.
Despite the tense moment, the overall event proceeded without incident. The King took the salute from the balcony, joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children. The appearance of the Princess of Wales was especially celebrated by the public and media, marking her first official appearance in months.
While it remains unclear exactly what prompted the King’s comments, the fleeting moment served as a reminder of the personal dynamics that continue to shape the House of Windsor behind the royal facade.