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One of the biggest events on the royals’ calendar each year is Trooping the Colour. It’s a parade of pomp and pageantry and a chance for not just members of the royal family but also members of the public to gather and celebrate King Charles‘ birthday.

The day’s festivities include several royals riding horseback or being driven in a carriage to Buckingham Palace for a balcony appearance and a special flypast. And one image from the 2025 event that’s getting a lot of attention is particularly striking as it shows the Princess of Wales’ (formerly known as Kate Middleton) and her three children riding past a group of anti-monarchy protesters.

Kate seemed completely unfazed by the disrupters. But her three curious children are looking right at them as it’s impossible to miss the huge yellow signs calling for the end of the monarchy.

Here’s more on that and what new polls show about the popularity of Britain’s royal family.

Republic CEO releases statement about attending Trooping the Colour

As Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis rode in the carriage with their mother along the Mall, the protesters held up signs that read: “Not My King,” “Ditch the Duchies,” and “Down With the Crown.”

Many royal fans couldn’t help but wonder what the children were thinking when they saw those signs, especially George who is the second-in-line to the throne after his father and grandfather.

While these protests are not new, the Republic, originally founded in 1983, became a campaign group in 2006. And Republic’s CEO, Graham Smith, vowed to be at the event every year and make their presence known.

“Trooping the Colour is the key iconic royal event of the year. From now on, there will be protesters there, calling out the event and the monarchy as a superficial cover for a grubby and corrupt institution,” Smith said in a statement per GB News.

Latest polls show support for the royal family is up

Kate Middleton and her children Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis pass campaigners from Republic protesting against the British monarchy
Kate Middleton and her children Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis pass campaigners from Republic protesting against the British monarchy | Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images
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The number of royal fans who showed up for the event was much greater than those who protested, and a recent poll has shown that the family is still well-liked among Brits. The latest YouGov poll showed Prince William scored a 75% approval rating from Britons, while Princess Kate is at 72%. As for King Charles, 61% of Britons have a positive view compared to just 29% who hold an unfavourable view.

Moreover, someone who used to work in the royal household says turnout for the 2025 Trooping the Colour is proof of just how popular the royals really are.

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the monarch and his wife, Camilla, his duties also included that of valet, house manager, and driver. He looked after Prince William and Prince Harry as well whenever they stayed at Highgrove House.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “When you see the turnout we had from the public, how can you put a price on this? I’m aware of how much the monarchy costs, but you can’t put a price on this spectacle. When you realize how much the royal family brings in in terms of tourism, there’s great value there, and there will always be an interest in them.”

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