In a surprising turn of events during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on 13 June 2026, the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, was spotted using his mobile phone while on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The 90-year-old cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II broke from royal tradition, which typically discourages working royals from using personal technology during official events.
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The afternoon saw King Charles III and Queen Camilla lead several members of the royal family, including Prince William and the three young children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, onto the palace terrace. Just moments after the family gathered, the Duke of Kent emerged from another entrance. Dressed in a formal morning suit, Prince Edward reached for his phone, appearing to scroll through some content before turning the device to capture footage of the Royal Air Force flypast and the bustling crowds below.
Footage from the balcony provided a different perspective on the event, as the Duke of Kent took a brief moment to film, even as the other senior royals around him engaged in light conversation and looked upwards to watch the aerial display. After capturing the scene, he returned his phone to his jacket pocket, marking an unusual departure from established royal protocols.
Earlier that day, the Duke had been photographed at another event, where he was also seen using his mobile device. This image, shared on social media platform X, showed him leaning out of a window at Horse Guards Parade, with young Prince Louis curiously peering beside him. The Trooping the Colour ceremony, which includes the ceremonial presentation of military flags, takes place at this site, while King Charles was present on the ground overseeing the proceedings.
Standing as a full-time working royal, the Duke of Kent has a long history of public service and support for various charitable patronages. A veteran of the British Army, he has engaged in royal duties following the death of his wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 92.
The Duke’s decision to use his phone on such a notable occasion has drawn attention because it was the first time a royal has done so from the Buckingham Palace balcony during an official public appearance. This departure from the royal mantra of remaining focused may suggest a more modern approach to royal engagements, albeit one that contrasts sharply with the notably restrained behaviour of royals in the past.
Interestingly, the tradition of avoiding personal technology at official events is not universally adhered to by all royals. Recently, Prince William took out his phone to film his beloved Aston Villa football team’s victory celebrations in Istanbul, following their UEFA Europa League win. However, this occasion was not an official royal event, as the Prince attended privately with friends, illustrating a nuanced approach to technology among family members.
As the royal family continues to navigate modern expectations, the Duke of Kent’s actions may prompt debates about the appropriate use of personal devices in public settings. With public interest in the royal family remaining high, moments like those captured by the Duke serve to illustrate the evolving relationship between tradition and modernity in royal life.
In conclusion, the Duke of Kent’s phone moment at Trooping the Colour exemplifies how royal traditions are being slowly adapted to fit contemporary norms. While holding a unique place within the royal hierarchy, the Duke’s actions may spark discussion about the expectations placed on working royals in this digital age. As ceremonial events continue, it remains to be seen how this incident influences future royal appearances and the role of personal technology therein.