Trooping the Colour 2023: Highlights from King Charles III’s first official birthday parade

In a grand spectacle marking a new era of the Monarchy, King Charles III has captivated the world with his first Trooping the Colour ceremony, showcasing regal splendour and tradition.

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 fill 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.

As the curtains close on this year’s Trooping the Colour parade, Starts at 60 takes a look at the unforgettable moments from the historic ceremony.

King Charles took centre stage at this year’s ceremony, riding on horseback alongside Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne. He became the first Monarch in decades to do so, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who last rode in 1986 on her beloved horse, Burmese.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

Thousands who had lined the streets for the procession were no doubt delighted to also a catch glimpse of Queen Camilla who was joined by the Princess of Wales and her children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight and Prince Louis, five.

Camilla is Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, while Kate is Colonel of the Irish Guards.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne’s husband Timothy Laurence followed close behind in a second carriage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

Following the Parade, the Royal Family returned to Buckingham Palace in the procession down the Mall where thousands of royal fans eagerly awaited the Royal Family’s appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

King Charles and Queen Camilla took their place front and centre alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Also on the balcony were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence as well as Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.

Noticeably absent from the balcony appearance were Prince Andrew and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who are no longer working members of the Royal Family.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

The event drew to a close with the impressive RAF flyover. As senior royals watched on intently from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, 70 aircraft flew by trailing plumes of red, white and blue smoke to cheers and a rendition of God Save The King from the crowds below.