King Charles, aged 74, was honored at the iconic event known as Trooping the Colour, an annual public celebration commemorating the birthday of the British monarch. This year’s event held special significance as it marked the first occasion the festivities were held in honor of King Charles following the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September.
King Charles rode proudly on Noble, a horse, donning the traditional bearskin cap and the distinctive tunic of the Guard of Honour Order, representing the Welsh Guards. Adhering to tradition, the sovereign wears the uniform of the regiment that participates in this year’s parade.
A Longstanding Tradition
King Charles’ participation in the parade on horseback was a momentous occasion, marking the first time since 1986 that the British monarch has ridden in the procession. Previously, Queen Elizabeth had participated on horseback 37 years ago. Joining King Charles on horseback were his son and heir, Prince William, his sister, Princess Anne, and his youngest brother, Prince Edward.
Prince William, having succeeded his father as Colonel of the Welsh Guards upon King Charles’ ascension, holds the title of Prince of Wales, traditionally bestowed upon the British heir to the throne. Princess Anne, as Colonel of the Blues and Royals, supported her elder brother during a Buckingham Palace event where the regiment was presented with the new Sovereign’s Standard. This year, Prince Edward, now the Duke of Edinburgh, made his debut on horseback in his capacity as Colonel of the London Guards, the army reserve battalion of the Guards Division. The establishment of this battalion emerged from military reforms in May 2022.
The annual birthday parade saw Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis ride in a coach for the second time. Accompanied by Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla, they shared the Ascot Landau. At Horse Guards’ Parade, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate disembarked the carriage to join other royal colonels as the Welsh Guards presented their flag, known as the “colour,” to King Charles. Notably, this marked a historic first for the royal women, who in previous years observed the ceremony from a building overlooking the parade grounds. The procession included Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who traveled in the first carriage.
The Trooping the Colour celebration originated during the reign of King Charles II in the 17th century. In 1748, it was designated as the official birthday commemoration of the monarch and has since become an annual event, symbolizing unity and pride.
