King Charles III
On horseback at “Trooping the Color”
“Trooping the Color” takes place in London this Saturday.
© imago/Parsons Media
That hasn’t happened in over 30 years: King Charles led his “Trooping the Color” parade on horseback.
King Charles III (74) takes part in his first “Trooping the Color” parade as a monarch this Saturday (June 17). Another peculiarity: He led them on horseback. It is according to British media reports the first time in more than 30 years that a monarch has been on horseback in “Trooping the Color”. Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), last rode a horse in the parade in 1986.
King Charles sat on his horse in military uniform, accompanied by his son, heir to the throne Prince William (40), his sister Princess Anne (72) and his brother Prince Edward (59), also on horses. Other members of the royal family followed in carriages, including Queen Camilla, 75, and Kate, 41, the Princess of Wales, and William and Kate’s children, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 ).
Traditional Balcony Appearance
1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians take part in the royal procession. The British monarch’s birthday has been celebrated with the military parade for more than 260 years, as the palace announces on its website. It was first executed in the 17th century under Charles II (1630-1685). The display of the flags in front of the ruler was intended to remind the Guard regiments of their special duty to him. The ceremony has been public since 1805. The royal family also appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Royal Air Force fly by. To mark the occasion, 41 gun salutes are fired in Green Park.
Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday was on April 21st and her son Charles on November 14th. But “Trooping the Color” is always celebrated in June, regardless of the dates. This was introduced by Edward VII (1841-1910), who, like Charles, had his birthday in November. So that there is a chance of better weather for the open-air parade, he moved the event to early summer.