During the Trooping the Colour 2025 ceremony on 14 June, a brief exchange between Kate Middleton and her son Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony caught the attention of cameras and, subsequently, the public. A lip reader’s analysis of the moment has since circulated in multiple news outlets, offering a glimpse into how the Princess of Wales manages her youngest child during formal royal engagements.
The event, which marks the King’s official birthday, is one of the most high-profile dates on the royal calendar. For the family, the balcony appearance following the RAF flypast is a carefully choreographed moment—and one that requires composure from all standing in view of the crowds and the cameras.
Here is what has been reported about the interaction, what the lip reader says was said, and how the moment fits into the broader context of royal parenting in the public eye.
What Did Kate Middleton Say to Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace Balcony?
According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who shared his analysis with the Mirror, Kate Middleton’s words to Prince Louis were: “National anthem. Louis, stand.” The instruction reportedly came after the Red Arrows flypast, as the family prepared for the national anthem on the balcony.
What Did Kate Say?
Lip reader reveals: “National anthem. Louis, stand.”
When?
14 June 2025 – Trooping the Colour after the RAF flypast
Who Was Involved?
Kate Middleton, Prince Louis (age 7), Prince George, and other senior royals
Was It Harsh?
Mixed reactions; many commentators see it as a normal parenting moment
Key Insights from the Balcony Moment
- The moment was captured by broadcast cameras and later analyzed by a professional lip reader, who confirmed a firm yet brief instruction.
- Prince Louis was described in reports as appearing a little too excited on the balcony, continuing his naturally expressive behavior from previous public appearances.
- Prince George reportedly stepped in first, giving his younger brother a small nudge to stop waving before their mother’s verbal reminder.
- The exchange underscores the challenge royal parents face in balancing discipline and composure in front of a global audience.
- Media coverage has been largely neutral or positive, with many outlets highlighting Kate Middleton’s calm but direct parenting style.
- The incident has revived public discussion about the expectations placed on royal children during formal ceremonies.
- No official statement from Kensington Palace has been released regarding the exchange as of 17 June 2025.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Trooping the Colour 2025 – King’s Official Birthday |
| Date | 14 June 2025 |
| Location | Buckingham Palace balcony |
| Primary Participants | Kate Middleton (Princess of Wales) and Prince Louis |
| What Was Said (per lip reader) | “National anthem. Louis, stand.” |
| Lip Reader | Jeremy Freeman, as reported by the Mirror |
| Source of Information | Lip reader analysis published by multiple news outlets |
| Public Reaction | Mixed – some praised Kate, others felt it was stern |
| Official Palace Comment | None issued as of 17 June 2025 |
Why Did Kate Middleton Correct Prince Louis During Trooping the Colour?
Reports from the day describe Prince Louis as being a little too excited on the balcony, continuing his playful behavior from previous royal appearances. According to sources, he was waving energetically when Prince George stepped in first, giving Louis a small nudge to stop. Kate then delivered her brief verbal instruction.
Was Prince Louis Misbehaving?
Commentators and parenting experts quoted in coverage have noted that Prince Louis’s behavior appeared typical for a seven-year-old child at a formal event that requires prolonged stillness. The balcony appearance follows a long morning of ceremonial activity, and standing still for the national anthem can be challenging for young children. The reports suggest that royal children are expected to follow formal balcony etiquette, including standing still during the anthem, but the moment did not appear to involve serious misbehavior.
What Is the Protocol for Royal Children on the Balcony?
The Buckingham Palace balcony appearance is a carefully managed event. Senior members of the royal family stand in a pre-arranged order to watch the flypast. Children are expected to stand still, not wave excessively, and face forward during the national anthem. These expectations are not formally written down but have been observed across decades of royal balcony appearances.
Commentators framed the moment as Kate gently reinforcing royal protocol while keeping the interaction light. The coverage portrays Kate as using a firm but calm parenting style, correcting Louis discreetly rather than making a scene.
When and Where Did the Balcony Exchange Happen?
The exchange took place on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on 14 June 2025. The precise timing appears to be just after the Red Arrows flypast, as the family was preparing to stand for the national anthem.
The Significance of the Royal Balcony at Trooping the Colour
The balcony appearance is a central tradition of Trooping the Colour, which marks the sovereign’s official birthday. After the military parade and the RAF flypast, members of the royal family gather on the balcony to greet the public. It is one of the few occasions each year when the entire family is seen together in such a formal setting.
Prince Louis’s Age in 2025
Prince Louis turned seven years old in April 2025. At this age, children are capable of understanding instructions but may still find long periods of stillness difficult. Parenting experts have pointed out that the expectation for a seven-year-old to stand completely still on a balcony for several minutes is high, and small corrections from a parent are common.
How Did the Public and Media React to the Moment?
Reactions to the brief exchange have been mixed. Some observers praised Kate Middleton for her calm but clear instruction, viewing it as a normal parenting moment handled discreetly in front of millions of viewers. Others felt the instruction appeared stern, though commentators have noted the difficulty of judging tone from silent video footage.
Another reported exchange from the day, captured on camera, had Prince William saying, “Oh my word, what a day,” with King Charles replying, “Great theatre.” These remarks, reported by multiple outlets, suggest a relaxed mood among senior family members despite the small correction.
How Does This Compare to Other Royal Parenting Incidents?
The moment has been compared to other public corrections by royal parents. Prince William and Kate Middleton have been seen gently guiding their children before. For example, at the 2023 Coronation, Kate was observed encouraging Prince Louis to stand still. The current coverage fits a pattern where small parenting moments involving the royal children become news stories, often generating broad public sympathy as many parents recognize the situation.
These details come from lip-reading claims, so the exact wording cannot be independently verified. The stories are consistent across multiple outlets, but they are all based on the same type of secondary reporting rather than an official palace statement.
Has Prince Louis Had Similar Moments at Royal Events Before?
Prince Louis has been noted for his expressive behavior at royal events since he was very young. While his age makes these moments understandable, they have consistently drawn media attention.
Prince Louis at Major Royal Events: A Timeline
- 2 June 2022 – Platinum Jubilee: Appeared with hands over his ears and pulling faces during the flypast on the balcony.
- 6 May 2023 – Coronation of King Charles III: Yawned and fidgeted during the ceremony but was overall well-behaved.
- 15 June 2024 – Trooping the Colour 2024: Stood still but appeared to talk to his siblings during the balcony appearance.
- 14 June 2025 – Trooping the Colour 2025: Received a brief correction from his mother on the balcony after the flypast.
Established Information vs. What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kate Middleton spoke to Prince Louis on the balcony during Trooping the Colour 2025. | The exact words used are not officially confirmed; lip reader interpretations are the only source. |
| Multiple reputable news outlets have published lip-reading analyses. | The degree of “sternness” is subjective and based on visual cues alone. |
| Prince Louis was standing near his mother at that moment. | It is unclear whether Prince Louis was actually misbehaving or simply not paying attention. |
| The event occurred during the RAF flypast. | No official statement from Kensington Palace regarding the incident has been made. |
Analysis and Context: Why This Moment Matters
Parenting in the spotlight is a unique challenge. Royal children are under constant public scrutiny, and even small interactions become major news stories. The narrative around this moment has oscillated between “Kate the strict mother” and “normal parenting moment,” reflecting broader cultural expectations about how mothers in the public eye should behave.
Prince Louis’s earlier antics, such as sticking out his tongue or covering his ears, were widely seen as cute and endearing. At age seven, expectations shift, and the public tends to hold children to higher standards of behavior. This exchange highlights that shift.
The role of lip readers in royal reporting has also been brought into focus. They provide a quasi-official transcript of private moments, but their work is not 100 percent accurate. Despite this, their analysis often drives the story in the absence of official commentary from the palace.
Sources and Key Quotations
“Kate Middleton was seen speaking to her son Prince Louis on the balcony… a lip reader has since revealed what was said.”
— Cambridge News
“Here’s what Kate Middleton said when she corrected Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony.”
— InStyle
“Princess Kate’s subtle but stern balcony exchange with Prince Louis exposed by royal lip reader.”
— The Nightly (Australia)
Summary: A Brief Exchange With Lasting Interest
The balcony moment between Kate Middleton and Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour 2025 is a small but telling incident. It offers a rare, unfiltered view of how the Princess of Wales manages her youngest child during one of the most formal events in the royal calendar. While the exact words remain a matter of lip-reader analysis rather than official confirmation, the interaction has resonated widely because it is deeply relatable. Many parents have been in a similar position: quietly reminding a child to stand still at a formal occasion. For context on the broader dynamics of the royal family, see our article on Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh – The commoner who became a royal rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prince Louis a difficult child?
No, experts say his behavior is typical for his age. Royal events require long periods of standing still, which can be challenging for young children.
Did Prince William or other royals react?
Cameras did not show visible reaction from other family members; they likely heard but continued with the flypast.
What does a lip reader do?
A lip reader analyzes video footage of someone speaking and transcribes the words based on mouth movements. It is not 100 percent accurate.
Has Kate Middleton corrected Prince Louis before in public?
Yes, there have been past instances, such as at the 2023 Coronation when she gently guided him to stand still.
Why was Kate Middleton not at Royal Ascot?
The reason for her absence from Royal Ascot 2025 has not been officially stated, but it may indicate a planned break from public duties.
What did the lip reader say exactly?
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Mirror that Kate said, “National anthem. Louis, stand.”
Was Prince Louis actually misbehaving?
Reports describe him as being “a little too excited” and continuing playful behavior. Most commentators did not consider it misbehavior.
Where can I read the full story?
The story was widely covered. For a broader look at family-friendly royal content, see Days Out With The Kids – The Complete UK Family Guide.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.