British royals celebrate King Charles’s official birthday

The British Royal Family presided over The King’s Birthday Parade — Trooping the Colour —earlier today in London. 

One of the highlights of the royal year for many is ‘The King’s Birthday Parade’, also known as Trooping the Colour. The military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks to teach soldiers to recognise them. Since 1748, this parade has also marked the Sovereign’s Official Birthday.

This year marks the fourth Trooping the Colour of King Charles’s reign. The King attended his first Trooping the Colour in 1951, aged three, riding in a carriage with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and aunt, Princess Margaret. The King first rode in the parade as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1975. The Colours being trooped today were presented to The Regiment by The King in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, 9th June.

Just after 10:30 this morning, carriages set off from the Palace with senior members of the Royal Family, including the Gloucesters, the Duchess of Edinburgh with Sir Tim, the Princess of Wales with George, Charlotte and Louis, as well as the King and Queen in tow. Behind those in carriages were the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal riding horseback. In a touching coincidence, all three horses that were ridden today are gifts from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The Royal Family gathered at Horse Guards Parade after travelling down The Mall, as well-wishers cheered the family.

After a full ceremonial trooping, which included a royal salute, King Charles and Queen Camilla then departed for the Palace. Once back at the front gates, the King took another salute to watch all the troops which participated in the parade. The Duke of Kent also joined in the festivities, taking in the parade from the balcony.

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2026

To conclude the day, the Royal Family appeared together on the balcony as the RAF gave an iconic flypast. In the end, the traditional red, white, and blue smoke was streaked across the capital’s skyline with the Red Arrows giving their mark on the day. King Charles, happily soaking up the atmosphere and the great weather, waved to the crowds who turned out for his special day.