According to military veterans, Prince William’s horse might have been under the influence during a recent rehearsal for Trooping the Color. Daily Mail notes William was riding a black Household Division charger named George, who boasted full regalia to match its royal rider — by all accounts an impressive steed for the Duke of Cambridge — but military experts claimed the horse was behaving erratically on that particular day. “William’s horse looks drugged. Its head is on the floor. It’s a disgrace,” one stated. Horses of the Household Cavalry are typically used for such events. These animals have special training to stop them from reacting to loud noises or nearby traffic and are generally comfortable standing still for long periods of time while carrying extra weight.
Aside from shocking claims about the state of the prince’s horse, everything else went well at the practice event. Although the queen typically gives the salute on the day, William is taking her place this year due to the long-reigning monarch’s ongoing mobility issues. This is the first time in 70 years she won’t be taking part. The move comes after her son, Prince Charles, gave a speech on her behalf earlier this month, per People.
A visibly emotional Charles spoke to parliament in Queen Elizabeth II’s absence, with Buckingham Palace confirming in a statement that Her Majesty was under doctors’ orders not to attend. Her crown, however, was positioned on the throne next to Charles.
