As London prepares for King Charles’ birthday parade this Saturday (June 14), many are remembering a poignant moment from last year when the King broke with royal tradition for an emotional reason.
Thousands are expected to gather along the Mall for Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch’s official birthday. The event features a grand military parade, a balcony appearance by the Royal Family, and a flypast by the Royal Air Force.
More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians will participate in the festivities. The royal procession begins at 10 a.m., followed by the flypast at 1 p.m. Although King Charles’ actual birthday falls on November 14, the tradition of celebrating in June has been upheld for over 260 years.
This year marks King Charles’ third Trooping the Colour as monarch. Last year’s ceremony was particularly memorable when Princess Kate, then undergoing cancer treatment, stood beside the King during the flypast—breaking with custom, as she was usually positioned next to Prince William.