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Prince Edward Records RAF Flypast on Phone from Buckingham Palace Balcony
The 90-year-old duke used his mobile during Trooping the Colour, an action not previously seen from any royal on the balcony. He also filmed proceedings earlier from a nearby office window.
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Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, retrieved a mobile phone from his suit pocket while standing on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour and recorded footage of the RAF flypast and spectators below. The 90-year-old first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II examined the screen before filming. He positioned himself apart from the other royals and partially behind a stone pillar.
He emerged through a separate door moments after King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis appeared on the terrace. Earlier in the day, the duke was photographed holding up his phone while observing proceedings from a window at the Major General's Office overlooking Horse Guards Parade, with Prince Louis beside him.
This appearance marked one of the duke's first significant public engagements since becoming a widower.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died in September 2025 at age 92 after many decades of marriage. No member of the Royal Family has previously been seen using a phone during a public appearance on the balcony. Working members of the family customarily refrain from using personal technology during official duties.
King Charles requires staff in his household to keep mobile phones switched off while working unless their role specifically requires one. Prince William stated in an interview last October: "We sit and chat, it's really important. " Prince William filmed Aston Villa's Europa League triumph in Istanbul last month while attending privately.
