NEW DELHI: Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade to mark the British sovereign’s official birthday, is taking place on Saturday.
King Charles III will celebrate his first birthday since his coronation amid a colourful display of regimental precision and pageantry.
Charles’s actual birthday is on November 14 but British sovereigns celebrate twice – once in private and again in public.A centuries old tradition
The birthday will be a momentous occasion as it will mark the first time that a ruling monarch will ride at the event since his mother Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.
The June parade tradition first began in 1748 under King George II, who wanted a celebration in better summer weather, as his own birthday was on October 30.
Grand celebration
As many as 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses will be taking part in parade, led by Juno, a 10-year-old shire mare, alongside three other Drum Horses – Perseus, Atlas and Apollo.
Drum Horses are the most senior animals in the army and hold the rank of major. They are traditionally named after figures from Greek mythology.
The minutely choreographed event has its origins in the display of colours or flags of different regiments to allow their soldiers to identify them in battle.
In attendance will be …
Members of the royal family will gather for the occasion.
Royal watchers will see King Charles — and likely Prince William and Princess Anne — participate in the parade on horseback.
Queen consort Camilla, Kate Middleton, and the Prince and Princess of Wales’ three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — are likely to ride in a horse-drawn carriage as part of the day’s events.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly not been invited.
Here are some other FAQs about the parade …
When is King Charles III birthday parade?
King Charles III birthday parade will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The televised event gets under way from 10am (0900 GMT), with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in central London.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that has been held to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. The parade features a procession of soldiers, horses, and musicians, as well as a flypast by the Royal Air Force.
Why is King Charles III birthday parade held in June?
The official birthday of the British Sovereign is traditionally held in June, even if their actual birthday falls on a different date. This is because the weather is usually better in June, and it allows the parade to be held in London, where the majority of the British population lives.
What is the weather forecast?
The weather is expected to be pleasant with highs of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) being forecast. However, the troops will likely feel hotter in their ceremonial black bearskin hats and thick red tunics.
What else will happen at King Charles III birthday parade?
After the parade, the Royal Family will gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast by the Royal Air Force. There will also be a gun salute in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.
King Charles III will celebrate his first birthday since his coronation amid a colourful display of regimental precision and pageantry.
Charles’s actual birthday is on November 14 but British sovereigns celebrate twice – once in private and again in public.A centuries old tradition
The birthday will be a momentous occasion as it will mark the first time that a ruling monarch will ride at the event since his mother Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.
The June parade tradition first began in 1748 under King George II, who wanted a celebration in better summer weather, as his own birthday was on October 30.
Grand celebration
As many as 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses will be taking part in parade, led by Juno, a 10-year-old shire mare, alongside three other Drum Horses – Perseus, Atlas and Apollo.
Drum Horses are the most senior animals in the army and hold the rank of major. They are traditionally named after figures from Greek mythology.
The minutely choreographed event has its origins in the display of colours or flags of different regiments to allow their soldiers to identify them in battle.
In attendance will be …
Members of the royal family will gather for the occasion.
Royal watchers will see King Charles — and likely Prince William and Princess Anne — participate in the parade on horseback.
Queen consort Camilla, Kate Middleton, and the Prince and Princess of Wales’ three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — are likely to ride in a horse-drawn carriage as part of the day’s events.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly not been invited.
Here are some other FAQs about the parade …
When is King Charles III birthday parade?
King Charles III birthday parade will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The televised event gets under way from 10am (0900 GMT), with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in central London.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that has been held to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. The parade features a procession of soldiers, horses, and musicians, as well as a flypast by the Royal Air Force.
Why is King Charles III birthday parade held in June?
The official birthday of the British Sovereign is traditionally held in June, even if their actual birthday falls on a different date. This is because the weather is usually better in June, and it allows the parade to be held in London, where the majority of the British population lives.
What is the weather forecast?
The weather is expected to be pleasant with highs of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) being forecast. However, the troops will likely feel hotter in their ceremonial black bearskin hats and thick red tunics.
What else will happen at King Charles III birthday parade?
After the parade, the Royal Family will gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast by the Royal Air Force. There will also be a gun salute in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.
