King Charles III marked his official birthday with the grand military tradition of Trooping the Colour in central London today, blending royal pageantry with a moment of national reflection. As crowds lined the Mall and St James’s Park to witness the annual spectacle, the event took on a more sombre tone, with black armbands worn in tribute to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash.
Still undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles opted once again to travel by carriage rather than horseback. Nevertheless, his continued presence at such events reflects a commitment to royal duties, even amidst health challenges. The King, visibly engaged, inspected the troops and led a minute’s silence in honour of those lost in the tragic air crash near Ahmedabad, where 241 lives were lost.
More than 1,350 soldiers from the Household Division participated in the parade, with the Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards trooping their flag. Royal family members in military uniform, including the Prince of Wales, also wore black armbands, while carriage drivers and coach staff followed suit, underscoring the day’s respectful atmosphere.
The parade began at 10:45 BST from Horse Guards Parade and followed a route along the Mall, passing Buckingham Palace before returning. Spectators enjoyed vibrant marching music and the visual splendour of ceremonial uniforms, capped off by the traditional Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast at 13:00 BST. As is customary, the royal family, including Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine, gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to view the aerial display.
Notably, this year’s Trooping the Colour marks a turning point for Princess Catherine, whose appearance in 2023 followed her cancer diagnosis. Now in remission, her presence today was more relaxed, no longer surrounded by the same level of public anxiety.
Though King Charles’ actual birthday falls on 14 November, the June celebration has long been a royal tradition, ensuring better weather for outdoor festivities. With its blend of solemn remembrance and regal splendour, Trooping the Colour 2024 captured both the resilience and continuity of the monarchy in changing times.
