Trooping The Colour first as RAF make major change to spectacular Red Arrows flypast in move that ‘will delight Charles'

The Sun

11 hours ago

Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor
Published: Invalid Date,
THE royals went green ­yesterday as the Trooping The Colour flypast featured nine Red Arrow jets powered by sustainable aviation fuel.
After the planes tore down The Mall and over Buckingham Palace — leaving their famous red, white and blue smoke trails — details were released of the historic moment.
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The Red Arrows used a 40 per cent blend of sustainable aviation fuel and normal jet fuel.
Sustainable aviation fuel is typically made from waste cooking oils.
A renewable biofuel, made from hydro-treated vegetable oil that does not release new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, was used to create smoke trails.
It is thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that the two environmentally friendly fuels were used at the same time by a national aerobatic team.
It comes after we exclusively revealed the Red Arrows have 13 working jets and may be down to six by 2028.
An aide to the King said: 'The King will obviously be delighted to hear about the RAF use of sustainable aviation fuel. He has been encouraging wider use on royal flights where possible and practical.
'His Majesty hopes to be an early adopter whose example will encourage wider use across the aviation sector.'
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales took a front row royal seat as she returned to full participation in Trooping the Colour — while also keeping a watchful eye on her three children.
Kate, 43, shared a dais at Horse Guards Parade with the King, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, after being forced to watch much of last year's event backstage as she was recovering from cancer.
She could not resist tapping her feet to the military music on parade and glancing over at hubby Prince William, 42, who was on horseback alongside Prince Edward and Princess Anne.
On the eve of last year's bash, she apologised to the Irish Guards — who were trooping their colour — for not being able to represent them.
But Kate was back yesterday and arrived at Horse Guards Parade resplendent in turquoise with her three children George, 11, Charlotte, ten, and seven-year-old Louis.
The family waved at adoring crowds who had camped out for hours to see their favourite royals as they were taken in an open-top Ascot Landau carriage from Buckingham Palace up The Mall to the parade ground.
Louis had to be held back by an aide as he tried to scamper into the Major General's Office to watch proceedings from a second floor window.
In there, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, took over child control.
But all three youngsters were on best behaviour and respectfully bowed their heads each time the Coldstream Guards passed below with their colours taking the Royal Salute.
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Prince William, in bearskin hat, again sported the beard he grew ten months ago for the first time at Trooping the Colour — after the Army changed its rules, allowing soldiers to appear with facial hair.
The King, for the second successive year, took part in a carriage rather than on horseback, due to his ongoing cancer treatment.
Beforehand, a minute's silence was held by all royals, soldiers and 8,000 spectators for Air India victims.
Charles had ordered royals, senior officers and coachmen to wear black armbands.