Sunday, June 5, 2011

London tourist alert: Prince William on horseback


LONDON : Sharp-eyed tourists outside Buckingham Palace had a rare opportunity Saturday to see Prince William on horseback.

But even those in the vicinity might well have missed him, since his well-known face was obscured by a traditional tall bearskin hat.

The prince was taking part in a rehearsal for next week's "Trooping the Colour," a major event to mark Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday.

The queen turned 85 in April, but the public party for the monarch's birthday is held on a Saturday in June when the weather is better. The custom dates from 1748 and will be June 11 this year.

William, riding a mottled gray horse called Wellesley, was wearing the red Irish Guards tunic with a blue sash that he wore at his April 29 wedding to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey.

William, 28, was made Colonel of the Irish Guards in February. He is expected to wear the same outfit at the actual "Trooping the Colour" ceremony, which usually draws thousands of well-wishers to the ceremonial heart of London.

William and his new wife, formally known as the Duchess of Cambridge, plan to visit Canada and California in late June and early July.

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