Loose horse causes chaos near Buckingham Palace during major annual event

A riderless grey horse wreaked havoc during today's Major General's Inspection, near Buckingham Palace.

The loose horse charged through the ceremonial ranks along The Mall in central London.

It broke free during the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment's formal review, its saddle having slipped beneath its belly as it galloped without a rider.

Footage captured by onlookers and shared on social media showed the animal weaving between fellow horses as the regiment processed along the famous thoroughfare connecting Trafalgar Square to the Palace.

The unexpected disruption unfolded on what is considered one of the most significant dates in the mounted unit's ceremonial calendar.

As the loose horse trotted past its stablemates, it caused considerable alarm among the other animals in formation.

A yellow flag appeared to have become lodged under the horse, while a substantial tassel dangled near its bit, adding to its agitation.

The grey continued to unsettle horses in its path as it pressed forward through the assembled cavalry.

Swift intervention came from mounted police officers, who managed to corner the wayward animal against a fence, bringing the brief but dramatic episode to a close.

The annual inspection serves to assess the Household Cavalry's preparedness for its most prestigious ceremonial obligations, including escorting the sovereign.

Approximately 170 horses and their riders paraded before Major General James Bowder at Horse Guards Parade, situated near the Palace.

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Despite the earlier escapade, the regiment received a successful assessment from the Major General.

The positive outcome comes at a crucial moment, with the unit set to perform its first major duty of the season in just five days' time.

King Charles will rely upon the Household Cavalry as his official escort when he attends the State Opening of Parliament on May 13.

Today's incident echoed a more serious episode from April 2024, when five Household Cavalry horses bolted through London's streets during a training exercise, leaving four members of the public injured and two of the animals hurt.

The regiment's horses have occasionally proved unpredictable during high-profile occasions.

During last year's Trooping the Colour ceremony, Princess Anne demonstrated remarkable composure when her mount began behaving erratically while riding alongside Prince William and Prince Edward.

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