The royal family is expected to be out in force this weekend as one of the biggest events in the royal calendar, Trooping the Colour, takes place on Saturday, June 13. The historic event, held annually in London to mark the monarch's official birthday, will see thousands of people watch soldiers, horses, and musicians march from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
Why Trooping the Colour?
While King Charles III's actual birthday is November 14, the Sovereign's official birthday is celebrated on a separate date, usually in the summer. This year, the celebration falls on June 13. The parade culminates with the traditional appearance of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony, followed by the RAF flypast.
Royal Family Members Expected to Attend
- King Charles
- Queen Camilla
- The Prince and Princess of Wales
- Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
- The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
- Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
- The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
- The Duke of Kent
Last year, the King was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. The line-up has remained consistent since 2023, the King's first as monarch. In 2022, the late Queen was pictured on the balcony alongside Edward and Sophie's children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
Timetable for the Day
The BBC will air coverage starting at 10:30 am, with Clare Balding presenting from Horse Guards Parade. The confirmed timetable is as follows:
- 09:15 onwards – Troops start forming up on Horse Guards Parade.
- 10:45 – His Majesty The King leaves Buckingham Palace, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
- 11:00 precisely – HM The King arrives on Horse Guards Parade to take the Royal Salute.
- The King reviews His Guards, riding down the ranks of foot guards and cavalry. The Colour is Trooped through the ranks, and the Foot Guards march past. The Household Cavalry and King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery then rank past.
- 12:20 – HM The King, at the head of His Guards, returns up The Mall to Buckingham Palace. At the gates, he watches the parade march past in salute.
- 12:52 – King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41-gun salute in Green Park.
- 12:55 (approximately) – HM The King and other Royal Family members appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
- 13:00 – Flypast by the Royal Air Force.
The event promises a spectacular display of military precision and royal tradition.
