George, Charlotte and Louis will be 'hugely important' in Trooping the Colour ceremony this year

One year later, in 2016, Princess Charlotte, 11, joined her big brother, and by 2019, one-year-old Prince Louis completed the trio.

Prince Louis' first year would mark the end of Trooping the Colour as it was known at the time. Balcony appearances were stripped back to working royals only, meaning figures such as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie have not featured since.

But the three children have been a mainstay in each June parade. Their consistent presence among a much slimmer Royal Family is a "hugely important" symbol, according to royal commentator Rafe Heyde-Mankoo, who detailed how crucial their connection is with the British public.

"The nation's bond with the Royal Family starts when they first see the royal baby, they see their first day at school," he told GB News. "They see them behaving or misbehaving at grand royal events.

"That's where you actually get that emotional connection between the population and members of the Royal Family, because we essentially see them grow up through every stage of life.

"And so, seeing the young royals, particularly playing around on things like Trooping the Colour, or at any other event, is very important for the nation."

Mr Heydel-Mankoo added that it is "extremely important" for George, Charlotte and Louis to be introduced to the "importance of ritual, of continuity, of duty," as will be demonstrated on Saturday.

"It allows them to essentially, also by growing up in the public eye, to become more comfortable with their future role, which is going to, of course, be increasingly in the public eye, and it gives them a living classroom about their unique role in British life," he added.

Mr Heydel-Mankoo concluded that the youngsters' exposure to such an event will teach them the important and historic connection between the army and the monarchy.

The children's behaviour on the balcony has also quickly become a symbol for how the public perceives their young attitudes. While George's immaculate and exemplary conduct is usually followed by Charlotte, Louis has often assumed the role of the joker and has earned a reputation for causing a little bit of mischief.

This was typified last year, as Louis waved to the masses on The Mall and received rapturous applause and cheers, while George quickly grabbed his arm and told him to stop.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams explained: "Clearly, the younger they are, the less controllable they are. And therefore, Louis will scream at planes, or George will have shown a special interest in something.

"George is exemplary, and Charlotte certainly too, far more restrained than Louis, who, of course, is younger, so that's what you expect, but we've seen them since they were very young."

King Charles himself, Mr Fitzwilliams noted, was just three when he first entered the parade in 1951 in a carriage.

But during a period of controversy for the Royal Family, amid a time when they have scaled down and reduced the number of working royals, as reflected in those who will take to the balcony on Saturday, the three children represent a shining light and a brief glimpse into the future.

This year marks George's final June parade before turning a teenager next month. Soon, he will also move on from Lambrook School, where both his younger siblings are educated. Charlotte will follow in his footsteps shortly after.

Louis, however, will undoubtedly continue his characteristic cheek and charm for years to come.

Watch Trooping the Colour ceremony live on GB News with Andrew Pierce and Camilla Tominay from 10am on Saturday.

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