Despite his ongoing health battle, King Charles will be attending this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, underscoring his dedication to his royal duties and his unwavering commitment to the British people.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King will attend the June 15 celebrations, a highlight of the royal calendar. However, instead of inspecting the troops on horseback, he will uphold the tradition from an Ascot Landau carriage given his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
While the Palace has confirmed the King’s attendance it remains unclear as to whether Princess Catherine, who is navigating her own cancer diagnosis, will be in attendance.
Charles made history during last year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony when he rode on horseback, marking the first time a reigning Monarch had done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.
“His Majesty The King will take the Salute as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division, at the Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade, on Saturday 17th June 2023,” the Palace announced in a statement at the time.
“Marking the first time that the reigning Monarch has ridden at Trooping the Colour since 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II last rode, The King will join His Majesty’s Birthday Parade on horseback.”
The Trooping the Colour is an annual military ceremony held in London, United Kingdom, to celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch. It is a longstanding tradition that dates back to the 17th century and is considered one of the most prestigious and significant events on the British royal calendar.
Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday.
The streets are lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony.
-with PA.