King Charles makes surprise visit ahead of Trooping the Colour

King Charles made a special visit ahead of Trooping the Colour.

On Friday, the monarch visited the Grenadier Guards, meeting soldiers preparing to take part in this weekend's celebrations in London.

The visit took place at the regiment's base in Aldershot, where His Majesty spent time with troops who will play a major role in the annual military parade marking the Sovereign's Official Birthday.

The official Instagram handle of the British Royal Family posted photos from King Charles' visit. The caption shared alongside the photos read: "Earlier today, The King popped in to wish the Grenadier Guards well, ahead of Trooping the Colour tomorrow."

"At their Company’s base in Aldershot, His Majesty spent time with some of the troops who will be on parade for The King’s official Birthday in London," it read further.

The annual Trooping the colour parade kicks off at 10:30 am BST. on horse Guards Parade, featuring nearly 1500 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians. This event will conclude with traditional balcony appearance by the British Royal Family and RAF Red Arrows flypast.

Ahead of the social media post, the King also shared an emotional statement following the death of painter David Hockney O.M.

In the statement, King Charles stated: "My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the death of David Hockney O.M., a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through and a dear friend and inspiration to so many."

"David was one of life’s true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions.

"I trust they will see him tread safely into the hereafter as we mourn a man whose irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation will be most sorely missed, but whose dazzling creativity lives on in galleries and museums around the world," His Majesty added.