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.

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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 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.