Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamhave arrived for Trooping the Colour!

The royal couple will later appear together along with their three children on the Buckingham Palace balcony, where working members of the royal family will gather to watch the Royal Air Force flypast.

Prince William.Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Prince William Trooping The Colour

Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour - 2022.ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smiles, on her way to the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Colour

Last week,Prince Williamtook on the role ofleading the Colonel’s Review, a military rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, on behalf of his grandmother. He appeared on horseback wearing his military uniform and a bearskin hat.

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour on June 2.Karwai Tang/WireImage

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in the carriage procession at Trooping the Colour during Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee

Although the Queen’s 96th birthday was on April 21, Trooping the Colour always takes place in the early summer of the second weekend in June. The reason is a practical matter more than anything: the weather is nicer! The tradition is believed to have started during the reign of King George II in 1748. George II was born in October, but the annual Trooping of the Colour became a celebration of the monarch as well as the armed forces.

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But this year’s Trooping the Colour is extra special, as it kicks off a long weekend of festivities celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her historic 70-year reign.

Prince Charles and Prince William at Trooping the Colour on June 2.Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images

The Prince of Wales takes part in the Royal Procession leaves Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour

Prince George, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Kate Middleton.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Prince George of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Trooping The Colour - The Queen’s Birthday Parade

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“She’s not someone who directly enjoys the limelight, but she recognizes these anniversaries are moments for people and communities to come together,” a sourcepreviously told PEOPLE.

The occasion also serves another purpose on behalf of much of the world. “It is a big thank-you moment,” added the insider.

source: people.com