Prince William got himself all dolled up in a super fancy outfit, complete with tall fuzzy hat, to rehearse for Queen Elizabeth, II‘s official birthday celebration. The annual Trooping the Colours parade is held in celebration of the Queen’s official birthday on June 11 (which is different from her real birthday on April 21). This year, Wills will take part in the celebration for the first time as Colonel of the Irish Guards … which means, he gets to wear this fancy hat and everything!
He rode down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in central London on a horse called Wellesley, behind the Duke of Kent – Colonel of the Scots Guards. The event, known as the Colonel’s Review, takes place a week before Trooping the Colour, which marks the Queen’s official birthday. Hundreds of soldiers were out on display for the ceremony, parading along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. Prince William, who served in the Blues and Royals, was made Colonel of the Irish Guards in February, and will take part in Trooping the Colour next Saturday for the first time. A Palace spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the Duke of Cambridge will take part in the Queen’s birthday parade. He will ride as Colonel of the Irish Guards. All Royal Colonels of the Foot Guards including the Prince of Wales – who will ride as Colonel of the Welsh Guards – ride together as determined by the Major General of the Household Division.”
He’s a prince, he’s a duke AND he’s a colonel … geeze, next thing you know William will become a king. Is there nothing the lad can’t do? Normally, I’d poke all kinds of terrible fun at anyone forced to wear an outfit like this in person but, you know, the look kinda works on Wills. I mean, I’m not used to seeing so much hair on the man’s head … it’s a good look for him. Not for nothing, but mebbe Wills should wear this hat all the time. HMMMM … just a thought.
[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]
I’m sorry but this has to be the funniest hat I’ve ever seen on William’s head. It even looks as if he has a bird nesting itself nicely on the side there. It’s so ridiculous that he can’t even see in that thing. Finniest pic I’ve seen all day lmao!
How is that hat comfortable? First its got a chin strap that rests across the front of his face and doesn’t seem to actually serve any purpose (theres no way thats whats securing that thing!) then its so massive and fuzzy its got to get hot wearing that thing. . . . even stil…bet kate’s jealous of it!
That hat looks incredibly uncomfortable. I’m wondering how much it weighs.. And then there’s the piece that goes across his face and under his lip… Weirdness.
LOVE IT!!! I am am a member of a historic militia unit, and our sister unit still wears these bear-skin hats and wool red coats for parades. His dapple grey horse is gorgeous! It’s so nice to see Wills serving in his military capacities… whether it be searching and rescuing, or ceremoniously.
How can you not laugh? I’d like to think Wills thinks that’s the most ridiculous thing, too.
not a big fan of animal fur….william should be the first to get rid of them! why do they have to use real fur anyway! not like anyone gets to touch them.