Prince George Desperately Tries to Hold Back a Sneeze During National Anthem at Trooping the Colour

Even the most carefully choreographed royal events have their unscripted moments.

During the 2026 Trooping the Colour celebrations on Saturday, June 13, Prince Georgehad a relatable mishap while standing alongside members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

As the Royal Air Force’s traditional flypast came to an end and the national anthem played, the 12-year-old appeared to be battling an untimely sneeze. In a video shared by The Telegraph on X, George could be seen desperately trying to suppress it as he stood at attention beside his parents, Prince Williamand Kate Middleton, as well as his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.

Prince George struggled to hold back a sneeze while watching the annual Trooping the Colour flypast.

🔗: https://t.co/j1m4vTJDal pic.twitter.com/DQudLApM5o

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 13, 2026

Thankfully, the future king held it together until the anthem concluded. But once the music stopped, George covered his nose and mouth before finally sneezing, prompting a smile and brief laugh between him and his mother. 

“Prince George deserves a medal for this level of self-control,” one X user wrote.

Another said, “Aww bless him, caught without a tissue. He looks as if he might have a touch of hayfever. Princess Catherine straight into mom mode.”

“Prince George fighting a sneeze during the anthem with Kate Middleton had me dying,” a third shared.

While George shared the carriage ride with his mother and siblings earlier in the day, Prince William participated in a different part of the festivities. In his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Prince of Wales rode on horseback during the Trooping the Colour procession while wearing the regiment’s ceremonial uniform, complete with a bright red tunic, bearskin hat, Garter sash, and ceremonial sword. Middleton, meanwhile, traveled by carriage alongside the three kids.

What is Trooping the Color?

Trooping the Colour marks the official birthday celebration of the reigning monarch and dates back more than 260 years. The event typically includes a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, military displays, and the highly anticipated Royal Air Force flypast, which senior members of the royal family watch from the palace balcony (as we saw in the adorable video).