It was always going to be a year of ‘firsts’ for the newly crowned King Charles III, and an early milestone came on June 17th and the traditional parade of Trooping the Colour for the Sovereign’s birthday. It has been the highlight of the Summer season for centuries and is steeped in echoes of the Nation’s history.
This military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers.
Pomp and pageantry were on display during the military spectacle where the most prestigious regiments in the British Army honoured their Colonel in Chief by parading to mark his anniversary.
King Charles had deputised for Queen Elizabeth II at last year’s event, also known as the Birthday Parade, but now rode onto Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall as the nation’s head of state.
He was joined on horseback by the Royal Colonels – the Prince of Wales, Colonel, Welsh Guards; the Princess Royal, Gold Stick in Waiting and Colonel of The Blues and Royals; and the Duke of Edinburgh, riding for the first time in his role as Colonel of the 1st Battalion London Guards, formed last year.
Travelling in a carriage were the Queen and the Princess of Wales along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Royal party were in the midst of a sovereign’s mounted escort, formed by troops from the Household Cavalry’s Life Guards and Blues and Royals, in their shining breastplates and plumed helmets, and a ripple of cheers followed them when they travelled along The Mall.
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