King Charles will take part in his first Trooping the Colour ceremony as a monarch on June 17, which has been the formal birthday celebration for the British monarch for more than 260 years.
After the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September, Charles, then 74, assumed the role of ruler.
“This impressive display of pageantry will take place on Saturday 17th June… with His Majesty The King attending and taking the salute,” the palace said in a statement.
In an effort to avoid the whims of the weather, British sovereigns observe their birthdays twice: once privately on the actual day (November 14 in the case of Charles) and once publicly in June.
More than 1,400 soldiers will parade throughout the occasion, 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 tradition of the event dates back to the time when soldiers were shown all the flags as part of the war preparations so they would be able to identify them amid the chaos of battle.
The parade in 2023 will occur on May 6, just over a month after Charles’ coronation ceremony.
