LONDON: King Charles III of Britain marked his inaugural birthday parade on Saturday, inspecting the troops on horseback in a continuation of the long-standing Trooping the Colour tradition. This marked the first time the monarch rode on horseback at the event since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1986.
The annual Trooping the Colour parade serves as the official celebration of the British sovereign’s birthday. King Charles III was joined on horseback by his eldest son and heir, Prince William, as well as his brother Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and sister Anne. Queen Camilla and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, followed in a carriage, adding to the regal spectacle.
The vibrant display of regimental precision and pageantry marked the first Trooping the Colour parade of King Charles III’s reign. While his actual birthday falls on November 14, British sovereigns celebrate twice – once privately and again publicly. The June parade tradition was initiated in 1748 by King George II, who desired a celebration in better summer weather since his own birthday fell on October 30.
The televised event commenced with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in central London. Approximately 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses participated in the parade, led by Juno, a 10-year-old shire mare, accompanied by three other esteemed Drum Horses – Perseus, Atlas, and Apollo. Drum Horses hold the rank of major and are traditionally named after figures from Greek mythology.
This meticulously orchestrated event traces its origins to the display of colors or flags of different regiments, aiding soldiers in identifying their units during battles. This year, the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards had the honor of trooping, or parading, their color up and down the ranks.
The UK’s current hot spell presented challenges for the troops donning ceremonial black bearskin hats and thick red tunics. During William’s inspection of the troops from the Household Division group of senior regiments last weekend, several soldiers fainted due to the high temperatures.
King Charles II to Lead Soldiers Back to Royal Palace
As Prince of Wales, William serves as the honorary colonel of the Welsh Guards. Later in the parade, Charles, who as head of state holds the title of commander-in-chief of the armed forces, will lead the soldiers back to the palace. Following this, Charles will join other senior members of the royal family to witness a fly-past of approximately 70 military aircraft over the British capital, preceded by a 41-gun salute from nearby Green Park.
Inclement weather had curtailed a planned fly-past during Charles’s coronation on May 6. Queen Elizabeth II last rode her horse Burmese, a gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, during the mid-1980s parade. After retiring Burmese in 1986 after 18 years of service, she opted to use a carriage for future Trooping the Colour events.
Last year’s parade marked the late Queen Elizabeth’s final public appearance and formed part of a four-day celebration commemorating her record-breaking 70th year on the throne. It was a poignant moment as she passed away at the age of 96 in September.
