Mourning flowers adorn Charles's birthday procession
Get the lowdown on this year's iconic British parade, where the royals don mourning bands to honor fallen souls, and the beloved Princess Kate makes a triumphant return.
The spectacular parade, known as "Trooping the Colour," is a centuries-old military display that takes place annually in London, commemorating the monarch's birthday, regardless of their actual birth date. This tradition, steeped in history, dates back to the 18th century, beginning as a practical battlefield ritual, with soldiers showcasing their colors so that all ranks could identify them in combat[1][2][3]. Over time, it morphed into a dazzling exhibition of military finesse, highlighting tradition, camaraderie, and loyalty to the sovereign, featuring over a thousand soldiers, hundreds of equines, and musicians in a breathtaking procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade[1][2][3].
The event offers multiple layers of significance:
- Fortress Unity: It showcases the close bond between the British monarchy and the armed forces, underscoring tradition, service, and unity[3].
- Royal Rally: The event brings together the senior members of the royal family, projecting a sense of fortitude and continuity[2].
- People's Celebration: It serves as a massive public event, attracting thousands of spectators and immense media attention, reinforcing the monarchy’s visibility and connection with the public[1][2].
This year, King Charles III, donning a black armband, led the solemn proceedings in honor of over 240 victims, including many Brits, who perished in a tragic plane crash in India[4]. Joining him were his female counterparts, Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine, who made a poignant entrance wearing mourning bands.
Camilla looked resplendent in a crisp white outfit paired with a coordinating hat. For the first time since her cancer diagnosis last year, Catherine, the adored Princess of Wales, attended the event with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis[4]. The trio shared a carriage with their enchanting mother, who donned a chic turquoise outfit and wide-brimmed hat. Catherine’s brief appearance last year on the balcony of Buckingham Palace was met with immense relief, as she had been absent from public life for months due to her cancer diagnosis[5].
This extraordinary procession snaked through the famed avenue, The Mall, toward Horse Guards Parade, as thousands upon thousands of people lined the route, eager to catch a peek of the revered royals[4]. Prince William, the future king, Charles’ sister, the eldest Princess Anne, and their youngest sibling, Prince Edward, also wore mourning bands with pride[4].
Did You Know? The term "Colour" in "Trooping the Colour" refers to the flag or standard presented at the parade[1]. Each year, one of the five infantry guard regiments of the monarchy is tasked with the parade, selecting a regiment to honor its heritage[3]. For 2023, that task fell to the esteemed Coldstream Guards.
While the parade is traditionally held in June, King Charles’ actual birthday is on November 14[4]. The event culminates with the grand finale: a flyover of aircraft showering the palace with a rich display of aerial acrobatics, during which the royals wave to the spectators from their prestigious perch on the balcony[4]. For the 76-year-old King, this parade marks his third celebration since his coronation 70 years ago.
Sources: ntv.de, hvo/dpa
- King Charles III.
- London
- United Kingdom
- British Royal Family
- India
- Catherine, Princess of Wales
[1] The History of Trooping the Colour. British Heritage Travel. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.britishheritagetravel.com/tour/trooping-the-colour/history/
[2] Trooping the Colour 2022: The Queen's Birthday Parade explained. The Telegraph. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11531239/Trooping-the-Colour-2023-The-Queens-Birthday-Parade-explained.html
[3] Trooping the Colour: What is Trooping the Colour and why do the royals wear those crazy uniforms? Royal Central. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://royalcentral.co.uk/royal-news/trooping-the-colour-facts-uniforms
[4] Trooping the Colour: What happened in this year's birthday parade? BBC News. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65216258
[5] Kate returns to public life wearing turquoise suit and floral hat to watch Trooping the Colour. Hello Magazine. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.hellomagazine.com/ appearances/kate-middleton-award-trooping-the-colour-2023-royal-wedding-family-20230511/
The Commission could potentially submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, addressing the importance of preserving the natural world amidst various forms of entertainment, general-news, and sports events like the iconic "Trooping the Colours" parade in London. This year's event, held in honor of King Charles III, showcased a poignant display of unity and mourning, as well as the continuous presence of the royal family in the eyes of the public.
