Within an event as deeply rooted in rigid ritual and formal decorum as the Trooping the Colour, the presence of personal technology on the Buckingham Palace balcony has historically been virtually nonexistent. However, on June 13, 2026, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent—the 90-year-old cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II—surprised the public by casually using his mobile phone amidst the solemn atmosphere of King Charles’ birthday celebration.

A Gesture Defying Royal Precedent

As King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal party, including the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and their children, onto the balcony to observe the proceedings, a formal ambiance was established. Yet, only moments later, the Duke of Kent emerged from a separate entrance. Rather than maintaining the ceremonial posture adopted by the other royals who were focused on the Royal Air Force flypast, the 90-year-old Duke suddenly reached into the pocket of his morning suit.

The act of retrieving a personal phone and intently manipulating the screen became a focal point. He spent a moment scrolling through his device before raising it, much like an ordinary enthusiast, to capture footage of the parade as well as the throngs of people gathered toward Buckingham Palace. After completing his recording, he calmly tucked the device back into the inside pocket of his jacket, acting in stark contrast to the serious demeanor surrounding him.

Personal Habits Amidst Ceremony

The Duke of Kent’s phone usage was not an isolated incident that day. Images shared on the platform X reveal that earlier in the day, while observing the events from the Major General’s Office overlooking the Horse Guards Parade—where King Charles was presiding over military activities as sovereign—the Duke was spotted holding up his phone through a window. Standing beside him was Prince Louis, who at that moment was curiously peering out at the bustling scene unfolding on the parade grounds below.

Profile of the “Working” Duke

The Duke of Kent is recognized as a dedicated royal who maintains a full-time working schedule even at the age of 90. As a British Army veteran and a close relative of the late Queen Elizabeth II, he has consistently played a vital role in events representing the monarchy. Following the passing of his wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, in September 2025 at the age of 92, he has continued to uphold his personal commitments and patronage activities with steadfast resilience.

When Modern Technology Hits the Palace Balcony

The use of personal technology by a royal on the Buckingham Palace balcony during a public appearance is considered an unprecedented act. According to long-standing tradition, royals typically adhere to the principle of “disconnecting” from personal technology during official functions to ensure complete focus on their assigned duties.

Nevertheless, this is not the first instance of modern devices appearing in the hands of royals in 2026. Previously, the Prince of Wales caused a stir when he filmed the victory celebrations of his beloved Aston Villa soccer squad in Istanbul after they claimed the UEFA Europa League title in May. However, royal observers note that the Prince of Wales’ actions were fundamentally different, as he was attending that match in a private capacity with friends rather than during a state-sanctioned event.

The Duke of Kent’s actions, whether intentional or accidental, have provided a fresh and arguably more “human” perspective on rituals that are traditionally kept under strict preservation. The presence of a phone on the Buckingham balcony will likely become a subject of lively discussion, highlighting how the boundaries between royal duty and personal interest are increasingly intersecting in the digital age.