Why Kate Middleton Doesn’t Sit Beside Prince William At Trooping The Colour

Kate Middleton has been attending Trooping the Colour ever since she got married to Prince William. But it is rare to see the royal couple sitting beside each other during the procession for the annual event.

During the ceremony, the Duchess of Cambridge is usually paired with Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. The two female royals have shared a carriage ride every single year since Kate first attended in 2011.

According to Good Housekeeping, Kate and Camilla’s pairing at the Trooping the Colour makes a whole lot of sense because they are both in line to become queen consorts. That is when their respective husbands become king.

While Kate and Camilla are on board a carriage, their husbands are riding their horses to the venue. Prince Charles and Prince William typically wear bearskin hats for the occasion. The father-and-son duo is joined by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, who are also on board their respective horses.

All five royals have ceremonial roles as Colonels of the Household Division. Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards, one of the seven regiments in the Household Division. The Duke of Cambridge received his prestigious posting even before he wed Kate. As such, the two never had the chance to sit together during the procession.

Prince Charles is the Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Princess Anne is the Colonel of Blues and Royals, Prince Andrew is the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and Prince Edward is the Colonel of the Scots Guards. All of them report to Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Colonel-in-Chief.

Several years ago, Her Majesty used to attend the procession on board her own horse. But in the past couple of years, she has opted for a more comfortable transportation. The Queen is already 93 years old.

This year’s Trooping the Colour will take place on June 8. Meghan Markle is not expected to attend since she’s still on maternity leave. Kate Middleton’s youngest son, Prince Louis, is rumored to make his Trooping the Colour debut at the Buckingham Palace balcony with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.