Prince William issues statement as soldiers collapse ahead of historic ceremony

Royal fans gathered to watch the Prince of Wales stepping up for his first major role during Trooping the Colour.

Prince William carried out the Colonel's Review today just seven days before the King's Birthday Parade next week.

He tweeted before the rehearsal: "Months of preparation and training go into Trooping the Colour.

"Today members of the Household Division will perform their final major rehearsal for the event in front of members of the public in London."

Following the rehearsal, where three military personnel passed out, he wrote: "A big thank you to every soldier who took part in the Colonel’s Review this morning in the heat.

"Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W"

Over 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery took part in the review, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands.

Heavy heat this weekend has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue an amber warning in eastern and southern England.

Royal commentator Richard Eden told the Daily Mail that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not been invited to the King's birthday.

He wrote: "When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties three years ago, Queen Elizabeth said they would 'always be much-loved members of my family'.

"And Buckingham Palace officials were keen to stress that they would continue to be invited to family events.

"I hear that Prince Harry and Meghan have not, however, been invited to the King's Birthday Parade next weekend.

"It will be the first time in Harry's life that he has not been welcome at the monarch's official birthday celebrations."

A source added: "I'm afraid it's a reflection of the state of relations at the moment."