King Charles beamed as he took part in Trooping the Colour on Saturday, but made a significant change from last year by riding in a carriage rather than on horseback. The monarch, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, left Buckingham Palace alongside Queen Camilla in a carriage, a departure from the 2023 parade when he rode a black horse called Noble.
Buckingham Palace had previously indicated that each public engagement by the King would be reviewed and adapted on medical advice. Charles carried out the formal review of the troops from the Ascot Landau carriage, one of five used annually for the Royal Meeting at Ascot.
Later, he was joined by members of the royal family on the palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast, including the Red Arrows. Last year, Charles became the first monarch in 37 years to ride a horse at the event. The late Queen Elizabeth II rode until 1986 before switching to a carriage.
A busy week for the King included an appearance at the King’s Foundation awards with Sir Rod Stewart and David Beckham, and a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Monday where he praised the Irish Guards for their “professionalism, courage and humour.” He also presented new colours to Number 9 and 12 Companies of the regiment.
Princess Kate, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, attended the event with her family. In a statement, she said she has “good days and bad days” and hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer. The King was said to be “delighted” by her attendance.
Anti-monarchy group Republic announced they would protest outside Buckingham Palace during the ceremony. Spokesman Graham Smith suggested the occasion should instead celebrate the armed forces rather than the monarch's official birthday.
