Trooping the Colour is a highly anticipated event in the royal calendar, set to take place this Saturday. This formal state ceremonial parade, also known as the King’s official birthday, involves the Monarch inspecting the regiments of Household Division. The upcoming event holds particular significance this year due to the royal family’s recent health challenges.
Following King Charles’ temporary step back from his duties earlier in the year for cancer treatment, the Monarch has returned to a ‘reduced’ summer schedule. Alongside him, the Princess of Wales, who has yet to resume her duties, is contemplating making an appearance this Saturday with her family at Buckingham Palace.
If the Princess of Wales attends, it would mark her first public appearance since the previous Christmas Day, dispelling speculations about her absence since January. The spotlight will be on Buckingham Palace’s balcony this Saturday to see if Kate Middleton will also make an appearance at Trooping the Colour.
Key Times
The parade is set to commence at 10:20 am on Saturday and will last for over two hours, concluding around 12:25 pm. Following this, a 41 Gun salute by King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Green Park is scheduled for 12:52 pm. The event will wrap up around 1 pm with an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace’s balcony, featuring the renowned Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, possibly joined by other aircraft.
For those planning to witness the parade in person, the Household Division advises arriving at The Mall and the edge of St James’s Park by 9 am.
Changes for 2024
Traditionally, the Monarchy inspects the soldiers on horseback, as King Charles did last year. However, due to his ongoing cancer treatment, the King will conduct the ceremonial inspection from a carriage this year.
Attendees
Anticipation surrounds the presence of King Charles, the Princess of Wales, and potentially Kate Middleton at this year’s Trooping the Colour event. The royal family’s participation and the ceremonial traditions make this event a focal point of public interest and celebration.
