King Charles’s birthday parade takes place on Saturday 15 June, which will see a spectacular display of pomp and pageantry through central London.
The monarch’s actual birthday isn’t until 14 November, so why does Charles celebrate his special day twice?
Official celebrations to mark the sovereigns’ birthday have often been held on a day other than their actual birthday, particularly when the day has not fallen on a day in the summer.
King Edward VII was born on 9 November, but his official birthday was marked throughout his reign in May or June when there was a greater likelihood of good weather for the birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour.
Similarly, the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s birthday was 21 April, but she always celebrated it officially on a Saturday in June.
What happens at Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour has marked the monarch’s official birthday for over 260 years, and Saturday will mark Charles’s second appearance at the event as King.
Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians take part in the display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare. The parade travels from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, and closes with a Royal Air Force fly-past.
© GettyThis year, amid the King’s ongoing cancer treatment, he will travel by carriage with the Queen to review the soldiers on parade. During the ceremony, which takes place on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, it is understood the King will carry out the review of the Guardsmen and officers from an Ascot Landau carriage with the Queen.
© GettyThe change from last year’s ceremony, where Charles inspected the troops on horseback, reflects earlier Buckingham Palace briefings where it was highlighted that each engagement by the King would be reviewed and adaptations made when advised by doctors.
Which regiment will be reviewed this year?
The Army said the Number 9 Company, Irish Guards, has been chosen to troop their colour, which means the regiment will march its ceremonial flag through the ranks at the King’s official birthday event.
The Band of the Irish Guards with the Pipes and Drums will march the troops onto the parade ground, led by regimental mascot Turlough Mor, an Irish Wolfhound also known as Seamus.
© GettyThe music is set to have a “distinctly Irish theme”, including Celtic folk tunes and new music composed for the parade.
The Princess of Wales is Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards, but she is currently undergoing chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.
Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE, will carry out the role of Inspecting Officer on behalf of the Princess at the Colonel’s Review on 8 June as Kate continues her recovery.
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