Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Step Onto Palace Balcony for Powerful Tribute

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are back on the balcony. On May 5, the royal siblings joined their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a patriotic flypast. The British royals are kicking off a week of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.

The children stood at attention on the palace balcony, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent — alongside their parents.

As the aircrafts roared overhead, Kate leaned in to share a few words with George. She and William exchanged a brief conversation as the King turned to his sister, Princess Anne, with a smile, perhaps reminiscing about their late mother, Queen Elizabeth’s many appearances at flypasts just like this. George animatedly chatted with William, clearly caught up in the excitement, while Louis leaned forward, eager for a better view of the sky.

The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

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The flypast came to a rousing close as the iconic RAF Red Arrows streaked across the sky, trailing plumes of red, white and blue smoke as cheers erupted from the crowd below. George looked visibly thrilled, while Charlotte gazed upward with quiet composure.

Moments later, the children turned to wave at the crowd just as the military bands below began playing the national anthem, “God Save The King.” Instantly, all three children stood still, arms by their sides in a respectful stance. Kate beamed as the anthem ended and applause swelled. Charlotte glanced toward her elders before offering a final wave. As the family turned to leave the balcony, Kate gently placed a hand on her daughter’s back and gave her long braided hair an affectionate pat.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025.

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Monday marked a surprise appearance and the first public outing of the year for the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children, whose attendance at the commemorations was not announced in advance. Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, first stepped alongside earlier in the afternoon, when they joined the royals at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to watch a military procession honoring those who served during World War II.

Prince William and Princess Kate are introducing their children to royal responsibilities in a gradual way, and each kid met a veteran before settling into their seats. In a relatable way, George rubbed his eyes (perhaps due to spring pollen!) and Charlotte leaned to whispers something to Louis that made him grin — showing off the gap–toothed smile that stole the show in the portrait celebrating his 7th birthday on April 23.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025.

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Princess Charlotte recently rang in a birthday of her own and turned 10 on May 2.

Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 05, 2025 in London, England.

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After the festive flypast soared overhead, the royals retreated back into the palace. The Wales children won’t join their parents at a tea party hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla for veterans and members of the World War II generation.

The royal family will be out and about for a series of meaningful events through the week leading up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. On May 8, William and Kate are expected at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey highlighting the sacrifice of the World War II generation.

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