Why One Icy Look From Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour Just Sent the Internet Into Overdrive

The pageantry of the monarchy took to the streets of London this weekend, but for some, the illusion didn’t hold.

As the Trooping the Colour carriage rolled past the crowds on June 13, the traditional cheers were momentarily drowned in a sea of bright yellow placards. The internet watched Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louiswatch a crowd that booed the monarchy while holding protest signs. The reaction across the internet, particularly on platforms like Reddit, was visceral. “The fact that there is a princess (or whatever she is) in a literal carriage riding around with her kids in 2026 is bizarre. abolish the monarchy.”

The contrast between the monarchy and the cost-of-living crisis is too sharp for some royal watchers. But the real anger this weekend was directed at the adults of The Firm. Social media watchers felt the organization used the kids as ‘human shields’ against criticism that set the internet on fire.

“There were anti monarchy protesters at the last trooping event too. It’s completely on William and Cate for parading the kids as child shields. They could’ve easily left them at home the same way Edward and his wife left theirs at home. It’s not like they are lacking any nannies. Or servants.”

Kate Middleton looking angry and the kids looking completely uncomfortable and confused, getting booed during trooping the colour. If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn't like that. pic.twitter.com/5Vz1ymbhf6

— Nina (@ShakeLS) June 13, 2026

Royal watchers feel the palace relies on the young royals to soften its image. But the royal critics aren’t buying the fairytale anymore. “Excellent. More. How do you bring a child into this life and explain to them they are chosen by god and will be working from the moment they are born. Their lives are not their own. They are public dolls. I wonder how the monarchy explain it to them and i wonder how other ‘lesser’ nobles see it and explain it to their kids Too. ‘We are simply better than everyone’ lmao So then when those kids are faced with a public who shouts ‘not my king’ i wonder how that changes what they think. How do the parents explain that contradiction? ‘We are simply better than them, they just don’t know it or believe it’ lmao.”

Over on X, one user put it bluntly about the Princess of Wales’ reaction: “If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn’t like that.” Another user agreed that the situation seemed awkward, “Charlotte looks like she wants to cry and Louis looks confused. Why subject your kids to this?” Over on Reddit, commenters thought the weight of being born into a life of duty and obligation hangs heavy over the whole spectacle.  “Think of how small Prince Harry was when he had to be watched by the world walking behind his mum’s coffin while strangers literally screamed at him. Think of how Diana wanted to cancel her wedding when she found out Charles loved Camilla but felt she couldn’t because a million commemorative tea towels had already been printed. Harry and William clearly wanting to be everyday members of the military but not allowed. Charles packed off to a physically and emotionally freezing boarding school and bullied relentlessly. The whole thing is weird […] for the individuals simultaneously elevated and scrutinised, told they’re special but permitted very little autonomy.”

Some think the conversation hasn’t shifted, it’s changed completely. Commenters say the public tolerance for another expensive coronation after that of King Charles’ is virtually zero. Others think William has a bit of Diana’s leftover stardust which might keep him afloat, but say that the younger generation has no tolerance for the the grandeur of the monarchy.

“The royals should be embarrassed at this point. Taking everyone’s money to fund their lifestyle. It’s a scam. They are literally “famous” and “important” because of their bloodline, not anything they did on their own. I’d feel uncomfortable if I were them.”

According to social media critics, Prince George might want to start looking at university brochures. He likely won’t ever see the inside of Westminster Abbey with a crown on his head.