In a revival of a royal tradition unseen for over 30 years, King Charles III will participate in the Trooping the Colour parade on horseback. Buckingham Palace recently confirmed the 74-year-old monarch's involvement, marking the first time a reigning monarch has ridden in the parade since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.
The King will receive the salute as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division at the Birthday Parade on June 17th, 2023. This annual event serves as the British sovereign's birthday parade, although Charles's actual birthday is celebrated privately in November.
The King has a long history with Trooping the Colour, having attended since childhood, initially for his grandfather, King George VI, and later for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The tradition of Trooping the Colour dates back to 1748 with King George II, who combined his public birthday celebrations with the military parade due to the unfavorable weather in November, his actual birth month.
Originating on the battlefield, the “colours” or regimental flag served as a vital rallying point for soldiers. Regularly “trooping” the flag ensured its recognition among the ranks, and the capture or loss of these colours held great significance in battle.
The tradition evolved under Edward VII, who standardized the summer 'official' birthday and incorporated the monarch's inspection of the troops. Today, Trooping the Colour typically occurs on the second Saturday in June.
The grand spectacle involves over 1,400 soldiers, 400 horses, and 400 musicians. The monarch inspects the troops, followed by a procession of the regimental colour and a musical performance by the military band. Members of the royal family participate in the procession, traveling by horse-drawn carriage or on horseback.
Following the procession to Buckingham Palace, a second salute is given to the monarch, and the royal family appears on the palace balcony. The event culminates in a flypast by the Royal Air Force and a 41-gun salute.
King Charles has inherited the role of colonel-in-chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division from his mother. Prince William, the heir to the throne, will assume the role of colonel of the Welsh Guards, while Kate Middleton becomes the honorary colonel of the Irish Guards. Queen Camilla will be the colonel of the Grenadier Guards. Princess Anne continues as colonel of the Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Kent remains colonel of the Scots Guards.
It's anticipated that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will not be in attendance.
