Speculation about King Charles’s health has gone into overdrive after eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed an alarming detail in the palace’s Trooping the Colour announcement.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have visited the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London as part of the drama school’s 120th anniversary.
The King is a patron of the centre and was shown around and given a performance by third-year acting students.
He has attended a number of engagements since coming back to work.
The yearly military parade to mark the British sovereign’s official birthday has been celebrated since the reign of King George II in 1748.
However, King Charles’ actual birthday is November 14, when he has a more private function with family and close friends.
On Thursday, British media outlets were briefed that Charles will participate in his annual birthday parade on June 15 as usual but will travel via a carriage rather than on horseback.
Charles will use a carriage for the Trooping the Colour parade. Picture by Hollie Adams – WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Last year Charles attended his inaugural Trooping the Colour as king on horseback, the first time the monarch had ridden at the ceremony since his mother Queen Elizabeth last did so in 1986.
Royal editor for British broadcaster ITV Chris Ship said the change was “on the advice” of the monarch’s doctors amid his cancer battle.
“It’s an adaptation made on the advice of his doctors,” he revealed via Twitter.
Another commenter pointed out that riding a horse would be too risky to the monarch while he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Kate will also miss out on Trooping the Colour this year. Picture by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
“Chemo can make you at risk to falls and bone breaks. Falling off a horse onto concrete would be fatal,” they wrote.
The announcement was a sober reminder of the 75-year-old King’s health despite his efforts to return to royal duties amid his cancer battle.
Other royal commenters said the change was not newsworthy and pointed out that Queen Elizabeth II began using a carriage at the age of 60.
“Not sure why this is news. The Late Queen was in a carriage from age 60. He is 75 and has had cancer,” they wrote.
Trooping the Colour has been celebrated since 1748. Picture: Xinhua/Ray Tang via Getty Images.
The update comes after Kensington Palace confirmed Princess Catherine will not be present at all during the annual parade or balcony appearance.
Lieutenant General James Bucknall will step in to fulfil Princess Catherine’s usual role as Inspecting Officer and take the salute.
Princess Catherine, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, was named Colonel of the Irish Guards in late 2022, taking over from her husband Prince William.