Royal family's 'hip' gesture criticised as 'trying bit too hard'

The Royal Family's recent Pride gesture has sparked debate, with royal historian Alexander Larman criticising the move as "trying a bit too hard." 

The Household Division band performed outside Buckingham Palace, playing Pink Pony Club, an LGBTQ+ anthem, as part of the celebrations.

The performance, which was shared on social media under King Charles III's reign, marked a significant departure from royal tradition. Larman told GB News that he was "most surprised" by the band's choice of song, saying: "It's not exactly what I had on my bingo card for 2025."

He expressed mixed feelings about the gesture, praising the Royal Family's effort to engage with Pride but questioning the dignity of having the Coldstream Guards perform a song like Pink Pony Club. 

"On the one hand, it's commendable that the Royal Family is making this effort, engaging with Pride and the various issues it raises in a way that's accessible," he said. "On the other hand, I can't help feeling that having the Coldstream Guards perform at Buckingham Palace singing a song like that is a bit undignified."

The Historian believes that the Royal Family is trying to be seen as "inclusive and modern" and "hip." "What interests me about the Royal Family in 2025 is that they are very much striving to be inclusive and modern," he said. 

"They want to be seen as accessible, as hip. I even think King Charles himself likes to be seen as the 'woke king.'"

The performance was designed to go viral, and it certainly sparked a reaction on social media. As the Royal Family continues to navigate its role in modern society, its efforts to be seen as inclusive and relevant are likely to be scrutinised.