The horse breaks away during inspection
One of King Charles’ horses caused a sudden scene in London on May 8, 2026, when the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment got together for the Major General’s Inspection. The annual review checks whether the unit is ready for major ceremonial duties near Buckingham Palace. During that moment, a dapple gray horse ran loose without a rider along The Mall, the road that connects Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
@kingsguardtours This unexpected moment happened after the annual Major General’s Inspection, on their way back to the barracks, briefly disrupting one of the British Army’s most prestigious yearly ceremonies 🇬🇧 #horses #householdcavalry #fyp #london 🎥 @KingsGuardTours
Police control the loose horse
Footage of the spooky moment was shared online, showing the horse moving through the ranks while its saddle slipped under its belly. A yellow flag appeared to be stuck under the girth, and a tassel was hanging near the bit, which could have made the horse feel even more nervous. Then, King Charles’ loose horse also startled other horses nearby. Mounted police officers later responded and guided the horse toward a fence, where they were able to stop it.
The regiment passes the review
The Major General said “yes!”
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Cavalry Band have passed their rigorous annual inspection. Their first big job will be providing the Sovereign’s Escort at the State Opening of Parliament next week. pic.twitter.com/aXJGDvXmqY
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) May 8, 2026
The incident happened before the regiment’s first major duty of the season, escorting King Charles at the State Opening of Parliament on May 13. Around 170 horses and riders took part in the inspection before Major General James Bowder, and the unit successfully passed the review. The moment reminded many people of April 2024, when five Household Cavalry horses escaped during a routine exercise in London. The incident left four people injured, and two of the horses were also hurt. Princess Anne also drew attention in June 2024 when she calmly controlled her horse during Trooping the Colour, which came as no surprise since she is an experienced equestrian.
