The Sovereign's Venerable Partnership with Trooping the Colour: Charles III's Trojan Horse Journey
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It's a tradition he practically has etched in stone. King Charles III is about to grace the Trooping the Colour parade for the 60th time on June 14th. You might say we're on a royal roll, since it was also on June 14th, in 1969, that the Prince Charles first took part in this traditional birthday bash.
Fast forward to 2022, he was there to pay tribute to his mother, the Queen. As of 2023, the parade will be all about him, after he ascended the throne following her demise on September 8, 2022.
The tradition of the show goes way back to King Edward VII, who was a November baby but fancied a summertime display.
The Queen's April birthday got a June makeover, and Charles has stuck to that ever since. At 74, he trots out on a black horse, against tradition – the Queen was on her beloved black mare "Burmese" from 1969 to 1986. "Burmese" made her last public appearance at the 1986 Trooping the Colour, and retired afterward. She wasn't replaced as the Queen shifted to a Phaeton (special carriage) thereafter.
The Enthroned Balcony Moment
The year was 1969, and at 20 years, Charles made his balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. The colliding worlds of tradition and technology evoked awe as Concorde 002 soared overhead, a gesture of welcome to the Queen. And she had a special little treasure. Given the close proximity, the British residence Windsor and Heathrow Airport, aircraft noise was commonplace.
But not for the Queen. This din was her symphony, inspiring her to identify every aircraft by its unique engine sound.
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Evolution of King Charles III's Role in Trooping the Colour Parade
Tradition Enthroned
From a young prince to the reigning monarch, King Charles III has made Trooping the Colour his own. He will take part in the event for the 60th time in June 2023, after assuming the throne following Queen Elizabeth II's demise in September 2022.
First Reign
In 2023, King Charles III rode on horseback as monarch for the first time during Trooping the Colour. Breaking with tradition, he was accompanied by Queen Consort Camilla in subsequent years due to health concerns[1][2].
The Horse Ride Debate
There is some debate surrounding whether King Charles III plans to resume riding on horseback in future Trooping the Colour parades. While he did ride Noble, a black mare presented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in 2023, there is no definitive confirmation of his plans for future appearances[1][2].
Legacy and Inspiration
Charles III's enduring commitment to the Trooping the Colour tradition honors his mother's legacy while inspiring a global audience. From young royal to reigning monarch, his participation embodies the evolution and resilience of the British monarchy.
The weather might not be as warm and sunny as typical for the summer, considering it's a tradition dating back to King Edward VII, who preferred a summertime display despite being a November baby. In contrast, King Charles III, on his black horse, follows his mother's lead, as she rode her beloved black mare "Burmese" during the Trooping the Colour parade from 1969 to 1986.
