London – 13.06.2026: On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the British royal family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate the traditional “Trooping the Colour” ceremony. This annual event marks the official birthday of King Charles III and is one of the most important dates on the royal calendar.
The celebration began with a royal procession from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III and Queen Camilla rode in an open carriage, accompanied by the Household Cavalry, while thousands of people gathered along The Mall to greet them. At Horse Guards Parade, the king inspected the troops of the Household Division and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians participated in the parade, which showcased the traditional relationship between the monarchy and the armed forces through precise marching formations and music.
After the parade, the royal family returned to Buckingham Palace, where they gathered on the balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flypast. Fighter jets flew over London in formation, tracing smoke clouds in red, white, and blue – a brilliant symbol of national pride.
In addition to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sir Timothy Laurence, and Princess Anne were also present on the balcony. This family gathering was seen as an expression of unity within the royal family on this official occasion.
The event attracted a large audience from across the United Kingdom, who gathered in the streets near the palace to experience the atmosphere and solemn spectacle. However, protests by anti-monarchy groups also took place, some holding signs such as “Not my king” accompanied by images of Prince Andrew to express their ongoing criticisms of the monarchy.
“Trooping the Colour” stems from a military tradition dating back several centuries. Originally, it served to present regimental colors to soldiers; today, it primarily symbolizes the bond between the army and the crown and is celebrated as an emblem of monarchical continuity. The ceremony is held every June and attracts not only British citizens but also many international visitors.
The celebrations concluded with another Royal Air Force flypast, during which the planes flew over the palace in various formations, impressing the audience with their maneuvers. Overall, “Trooping the Colour” 2026 offered a striking insight into British history and the role of the monarchy in modern United Kingdom.