"Trooping the Colours" King Charles' Birthday Parade Held with Mourning Bands: A Blend of Tradition and Solidarity
Mournful birthday procession takes place with floral tributes for Charles
In the heart of London, the traditional parade marking the birthday of King Charles III was far from the usual festive affair. A somber tone was set as the royal family, including Charles himself, donned mourning bands to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic plane crash in India. For the first time since her cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate also made an appearance.
As the sun shone brightly, the royals embarked on their carriage journey from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, escorted by hundreds of guardsmen along the grand street The Mall. Throngs of people lined the route, eager for a glimpse of the royal family.
Prince William, the heir to the throne, Charles' sister Princess Anne, and their youngest brother, Prince Edward, joined in, all sporting mourning bands over their uniforms as they followed the royal couple on horseback. The Queen Consort, Camilla, gracefully rode by in a white outfit, complemented by a matching hat.
Kate Makes a Reappearance
Princess Kate, resplendent in a turquoise outfit with a wide-brimmed hat, accompanied her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in a carriage. Kate’s brief public appearance last year, when she graced the balcony of Buckingham Palace, had been greeted with relief. Her chemotherapy treatments have since come to an end, bringing joy to royal fans.
A Reminder of Royal Radiance
Kate’s appearance recalled the radiant spectacle she presented at the "Trooping the Colours" parade, an annual military ceremony dating back to the 18th century. Known as the sovereign’s birthday celebration since 1978, the event has become a tradition after George III ascended the throne in 1760.
A Solemn Salute and a Grand Spectacle
The 2025 parade was marked by a minute of silence, a heartfelt tribute to the lives lost in the plane crash. While the main event embodied unity and national pride, it also symbolized a moment of mourning and solidarity.
In previous years, King Charles, following the tradition, inspected the troops at Horse Guards Parade and enjoyed the grand finale - an aerial display by various military aircraft that culminated in a salute from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This year, however, the somber atmosphere dampened the usual celebration.
Sources: ntv.de, hvo/dpa
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The Trooping the Colour has deep historical roots, originating as a military review for soldiers to recognize their regiments' flags. Over time, it evolved into a royal celebration. From King Charles II’s reign (1660–1685), it became an annual tradition after George III ascended the throne in 1760.
The event features over 1,300-1,400 soldiers from the Household Division and King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, along with over 300 musicians, resulting in a grand, choreographed spectacle. The monarch, members of the royal family, and invited dignitaries typically gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the flypast at the end of the parade. The event symbolizes unity and national identity while playing a significant role in fostering military history and royal tradition.
The Commission, in the midst of general news, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the recent tragic accident involving a plane crash. Meanwhile, a shift in the political landscape may be brewing, as sports fans eagerly await the resumption of their favorite games, following the solemn salute and grand spectacle of the Trooping the Colours parade.
