The Duke had earlier been photographed holding up his phone while watching Horse Guards Parade from the Major General's Office window, where Prince Louis was seen peeking beside him. That shot was shared to social platforms after the parade.
The Trooping of the Colour ceremony itself took place at Horse Guards Parade, with King Charles on the ground as sovereign. The Duke of Kent — a full-time working royal, British Army veteran and first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth — is known for attending engagements tied to his patronages. He became a widower when his wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, died in September 2025 at age 92. While royals typically avoid personal tech during official appearances, this gentle, private moment on the balcony stood out for its novelty rather than controversy.