Buckingham Palace has just confirmed the step King Charles III has taken on one of the most important days for the United Kingdom. Next Saturday, June 14, the grand Trooping the Colour event will be held, with the entire British royal family participating. However, this time, the king has been forced to permanently change his participation due to his health problems.
Affected by an oncological disease diagnosed at the beginning of 2024, he has had to give up his traditional horseback ride in such a significant ceremonial act. Instead of riding his horse, Charles III will travel from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in an elegant and solemn carriage.
Buckingham Palace announces King Charles III's determination
There are two days left until one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the British monarchy, and Buckingham Palace is already preparing for it. On Saturday, the Trooping the Colour march will take place, bringing together the entire royal family. It will be another year in which King Charles III presides over it as head of state.
However, as announced by Buckingham Palace, the king has made a decision, forced by the circumstances. Instead of participating in the procession on horseback as he has done, this year he will do so in a carriage due to health problems.
This decision represents a momentous change, ending a tradition that dates back to 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II hung up the reins for the last time. Charles III briefly resumed the custom in 2023, riding Noble, but the demands of his cancer treatment force him to reconsider it permanently.
His attendance in a carriage aims to prioritize his comfort, minimize risks, and ensure that he can keep his commitment to the event without compromising his health. After his recent hospitalization due to side effects from the treatment, it is no longer expected that he will ride a horse again.
In fact, as reported by British media, King Charles III "will hang up his riding boots for good." This decision begins with participating in Trooping the Colour in a carriage, thus breaking a family tradition.
Buckingham Palace prepares a grand tribute to King Charles III
This act marks the starting signal for the celebrations of King Charles III's birthday. It is expected that, for days, the United Kingdom will hold numerous events in honor of their king, with the entire royal family participating. The only exception is Prince Harry, who still keeps his distance from his family.
The discordant note of the traditional parade will be seeing Charles III completing the route in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla. Meanwhile, his sister, Princess Anne, is expected to be seen on horseback, taking on the ceremonial role to fill the king's equestrian gap.
In addition, Prince William, as colonel of the Welsh Guards, will also have a prominent presence on horseback. Kate Middleton's husband is expected to play a key role during the military parade while his family accompanies him in a carriage.
Despite the adjustments, the occasion doesn't lose its majesty or solemnity, with more than one thousand soldiers and musicians present at the military ceremony. The parade will begin at around 11:30 a.m. and will culminate with the traditional Royal Air Force flypast from the royal balcony. It will be the moment when King Charles III greets the United Kingdom, surrounded by the entire royal family.
Thus, this year's Trooping will mark a historic transition, adapted to the circumstances, but preserving the essence of an iconic monarchical tradition.