King Charles III marks official birthday with full Red Arrows flypast at Trooping the Colour
Thousands gathered in central London for Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade marking King Charles III's official birthday. The ceremony included a Red Arrows flypast (the last with nine aircraft) and tributes to a rider who died last month.
The ceremony
More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians took part in the spectacle, which moved from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. The King, wearing the uniform of the Grenadier Guards and medals from Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation to the Platinum Jubilee, rode in an open-top carriage with Queen Camilla. She wore a red uniform dress by Fiona Clarke, a black beret with white plume, and a cap badge by Phillip Treacy. Second Lieutenant Alec Goschen, the Ensign, carried the Grenadier Guards’ colour; at 6 ft 7 in, he stood 8 ft 6 in in his bearskin. After the King inspected the troops, the colour was trooped through the ranks, a 41‑gun salute was fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and the procession returned to the palace.
- Soldiers
- 1400
- Horses
- 200
- Musicians
- 400
Royal family presence
The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh rode on horseback as royal colonels. The Princess of Wales followed in a carriage with her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who, at eight, was described as being on his best behaviour. Also in carriages were the Duchess of Edinburgh with Vice‑Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. From the palace balcony, the family later watched the flypast, a moment underscoring the line of succession with the King flanked by two future monarchs.
Red Arrows flypast
Nine Hawk jets of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team streaked overhead, joined by four Typhoons. It was a historic occasion: the nine‑aircraft formation had been preserved for Saturday’s event and next month’s 250th anniversary of the United States; after that, the Red Arrows will fly with only seven aircraft to extend the lifespan of the ageing fleet.
Sombre note and protests
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who should have ridden in this year’s parade, died in May after a fall at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Her comrades have paid tribute during recent events. Along the route, demonstrators held signs reading “Down with the Crown” and displayed images linking the former Prince Andrew to Jeffrey Epstein.
The tradition
The custom of an official June birthday for the sovereign began in 1748, when George II, born in October, preferred a summer celebration. Charles III will turn 78 in November.
