London (AP)– King Charles III. He attended the famous Trooping the Color ceremony on Saturday, accompanied by an entourage of soldiers and horses, becoming the first reigning monarch to attend. A grand military show at the Horse Guards Parade in central London showcased the British Army’s most prestigious regiments and paid tribute to King Charles III. on his official birthday.
In a historic moment, 74-year-old Acting Colonel Charles III was greeted with a royal salute as he watched a procession of soldiers and horses. It was the first time in over 30 years that a British monarch had ridden a horse in a grand ceremony.
before the arrival of Charles III. His eldest son Prince William and his brothers Prince Edward and Princess Anne also rode horses in the Horse Guards Parade. Dressed in red and gold tunics and distinctive tall black bearskin hats, members of the royal family matched the uniforms of the 1,400 soldiers taking part in the parade.
Meanwhile, other members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, Kate, the Princess of Wales and their three young children, headed for the procession in elegant carriages. The Mall, the boulevard in front of Buckingham Palace, was filled with thousands of spectators eager to catch a glimpse of its enchanting splendor.
Here are some of the highlights of this colorful spectacle.
Parade to celebrate the King’s birthday:
Trooping the Color is a grand birthday parade honoring the reigning monarch. With a history of more than 260 years, this annual ceremony draws large crowds each June. The event begins with a lively procession of horses, musicians and hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial attire marching from Buckingham Palace. The monarch then scrutinizes his army of infantry and horse guards. Celebrations traditionally culminate in a gun salute and an impressive military flight over the palace.
During Charles III’s actual birthday. This date is his November 14, 1948, and the British monarch traditionally celebrates his second birthday.
her real legal date of birth. This tradition leads to public celebrations in the warm summer weather. Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth, regularly hosts a Trooping the Color birthday parade in June, and has reserved her actual birthday in April for private family gatherings. rice field.
“Color” and its symbolism:
An important element of the parade revolves around the hoisting of battle flags called ‘colors’ and the parade. This memorial reenactment commemorates a time when the regimental flag served as a vital rallying point for soldiers on the battlefield, guiding soldiers when disorientated or separated from their unit. These flags were called “colors” because they featured the uniform colors and insignia of various military units. A different flag is hoisted each year. In 2023, ‘Collar’ became the Royal Collar of the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards. A monarch on horseback:
Saturday’s Trooping the Color ceremony marked the first time in over 30 years that a British monarch rode a horse during a ceremony, but the tradition was maintained until 1986 by Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s horse, Burmese, accompanied her on 18 Trooping the Color ceremonies before retiring in 1986. Queen Elizabeth II then chose to use her carriage for the event. Last year, as heir to the throne, Prince Charles also rode horses when he toured the military on behalf of his mother, who sadly died in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Great flyby:
Birthday parades are usually highlighted by events such as:
