Trooping the Colour: Hundreds of soldiers and horses march through London in honour of King Charles III

Traditionally, however, the birthday of British monarchs is always celebrated with a military parade in June, when better weather can be expected. Charles III will turn 78 in November. The move to early summer dates back to King George II, who wanted to celebrate in better weather than on his actual honour day in October. The custom was established in 1748 by King George II.

A custom since 1748

The parade, which took place in London on Saturday, follows a centuries-old military ceremony in which the regimental flag – the "Colour" – is carried past the troops. Thousands of onlookers customarily line the route from Buckingham Palace along the Mall to the Horse Guards Parade. After the official part of the parade, the royal family traditionally returns to the palace.

Climax on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

To conclude, the royal family watches a flyover by the Royal Air Force aerobatic team from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This moment is one of the most iconic images of the ceremony and is regularly broadcast live on television in the United Kingdom. The aerobatic team, known internationally as the "Red Arrows", flies in formation over the palace as members of the royal family appear before the public.

The spectacle combines military precision with monarchical representation and draws spectators from around the world each year. In addition to active regiments, historical units and honorary formations frequently take part, marching in traditional uniforms. The combination of cavalry, infantry and brass music gives the procession its festive yet austere character.

Significance and criticism

The costs of the event are traditionally borne by the British taxpayer, although the exact expenditure varies from year to year. Supporters see the parade as an important symbol of national identity and the continuity of the monarchy. Critics, by contrast, regularly point to the financial burden and question the military character of the spectacle in the present day.

Charles III, who ascended the throne in September 2022 following the death of his mother Elizabeth II, has repeatedly taken part in the ceremony in recent years, sometimes in a changed role. As the royal family grows older, attention is also turning to younger members of the House of Windsor, who could take on prominent roles at such occasions in the future.

International media regularly cover the parade as a symbol of the British monarchy and its historical continuity. For the British summer calendar, "Trooping the Colour" marks the start of a series of public appearances by the royal family, which includes the garden parties at Buckingham Palace and the celebrations for the monarch's birthday in November.

The Royal Air Force flyover brings this year's edition of "Trooping the Colour" to a close. The organisers expect, in favourable weather, several tens of thousands of spectators along the parade route as well as an audience of millions on screens across the United Kingdom and beyond.