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On June 17, the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which has commemorated the British monarch’s official birthday for more than 260 years, will be attended by King Charles for the first time in his role as monarch.
Following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles, 74, assumed the role of ruler in September.
“This magnificent display of pomp will take place on Saturday, June 17th… with His Majesty The King attending and accepting the salute,” the palace announced in a statement.
In order to try and avoid the whims of the weather, British sovereigns celebrate their birthdays twice: privately on the actual day (November 14 in the case of Charles) and then publicly in June.
More than 1,400 soldiers will parade, along with 200 horses and 400 musicians.
The birthday procession starts at the monarch’s official London residence, Buckingham Palace, and concludes with a fly-past by the Royal Air Force, which Charles and members of his immediate family will view from the balcony of the palace.
The ritual’s beginnings can be traced back to the time when troops were shown all the flags as part of the preparations for war so they would be able to identify them in the chaos of combat.
The 2023 parade will be on May 6, just over a month after Charles’ coronation.
