Another Trooping the Colour, another day of military pageantry, polished carriages, balcony waves, and carefully managed royal optics. But outside Buckingham Palace, a different story unfolded. Protesters lined The Mall holding “Not My King” signs, anti-monarchy placards, and images linking Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein. And this year, the policing arrangements appeared to keep protesters away from key ceremonial sightlines.

Before the ceremony even began, the Metropolitan Police announced special restrictions on anti-monarchy protesters connected to the campaign group Republic. Protesters were ordered to remain behind black railings on the North Horse Ride near the King George VI steps and could not proceed down The Mall until police and stewards allowed it. The Met also claimed the measures were needed to prevent “serious disruption” and minimise disturbance to horses during the event.

Composite image showing Metropolitan Police protest restrictions beside headlines about King Charles and Queen Camilla being booed at Trooping the Colour.
Police moved protesters behind railings, but the boos still cut through the pageantry at Trooping the Colour.

The timing raised eyebrows immediately. Last year’s Trooping the Colour produced viral footage of boos directed at senior royals. This year, critics accused the palace and authorities of trying to manage public perception by physically pushing protesters away from the main viewing areas. The monarchy usually avoids direct comment on policing decisions or political matters until moments like this, when suddenly extraordinary arrangements appear around royal image management.

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The Booing Still Broke Through

Despite the restrictions, boos could still be heard during parts of the procession. Headlines quickly followed. The Express ran with: “King Charles and Queen Camilla booed at Trooping the Colour amid Royal Family feud.” Meanwhile, The Standard reported: “King Charles and Queen Camilla booed by anti-monarchy protesters during Trooping the Colour.” Some outlets attempted to fold the reaction into broader royal feud narratives involving Prince Harry and Meghan Sussex. But many protesters were focused on something else entirely: Prince Andrew and the Epstein scandal.

Composite image of headlines reporting King Charles and Queen Camilla were booed by anti-monarchy protesters at Trooping the Colour.
The palace wanted pageantry, but the headlines told another story: anti-monarchy protesters made their voices heard at Trooping.

Several demonstrators carried signs featuring Andrew alongside Jeffrey Epstein. Others held placards asking: “What Did You Know?” and “What Are You Hiding?” The questions reflected years of public anger over how the institution handled Andrew’s association with Epstein.

Public distrust around the scandal has become inseparable from anti-monarchy protests themselves. Every major royal event now risks turning into a reminder of the institution’s handling of Andrew’s downfall. This is not new. Similar protests appeared during previous Commonwealth Day services and royal ceremonies. What has changed is the visibility of the anger and the apparent effort to contain it.

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Kate’s Reaction Became Part Of The Story

Video footage from the carriage procession quickly spread online after viewers claimed Kate appeared visibly uncomfortable during moments of booing. In clips circulating across social media, the Princess of Wales gives a brief wave while maintaining a tight, restrained expression as George, Charlotte, and Louis sit beside her.

The boos landed harder than palace supporters wanted to admit. Kate tried to maintain composure, but her expression suggested irritation or discomfort beneath the royal performance. Facial expressions can be read in different ways, but the conversation itself revealed something important: the royal family no longer controls the emotional framing of these events as tightly as it once did.

What struck many observers most was the presence of the children. Once again, George, Charlotte, and Louis were placed at the centre of a highly politicised public spectacle complete with boos, protests, and anti‑monarchy chants. Whatever people think about the institution, the children themselves did not choose this role.

That tension now hangs over every royal appearance. The palace wants family imagery because it softens criticism and reinforces continuity. But protesters are increasingly unwilling to pause their objections simply because children are present.

The Palace Cannot Ignore Republican Anger Forever

For years, the monarchy relied on tradition, spectacle, and media deference to smooth over controversy. But events like this show the limits of that strategy. The boos were not random. The protesters were organised. The signs were specific. And the decision to impose visible protest restrictions before the ceremony only amplified accusations that the institution fears open dissent.

The palace can attempt to move protesters behind barriers. Friendly headlines can try to reframe the backlash as “family drama.” But none of that changes the underlying issue: anti-monarchy sentiment is becoming harder to dismiss as fringe theatre. Trooping the Colour was supposed to project stability and unity. Instead, the loudest message many people took away was far simpler: “Not my king.”

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