Sgt Donald C Todd/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023
The first Trooping the Colour of the reign of King Charles III is just weeks away and rehearsals have started in London.
Under bright blue skies, in the last days of May, troops began to practice for the spectacular ceremony with crowds gathering to take a look.
Trooping the Colour marks the Sovereign’s official birthday. For the first time in seven decades, this will be a celebration for a King.
Charles III led the ceremony in 2022 but as heir to the throne, standing in for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who missed the parade through mobility issues. Her Late Majesty later took a salute of the troops as they passed Buckingham Palace, viewing them from the balcony with the Duke of Kent at her side.
On June 17th 2023, over 1350 soldiers of the Household Division and King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including over 300 musicians from the Massed Bands will take part in the parade. In this first Birthday Parade for King Charles, the longest serving Prince of Wales in history, the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards will troop their colour.
The Royal Family will join His Majesty with the new Prince of Wales, Prince William, and the Princess Royal expected to ride alongside The King.
The Queen, the Princess of Wales and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are expected to take part in the carriage procession before and after the main parade.
The whole Royal Family usually appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after Trooping the Colour.