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 event, held annually, marks the official birthday of King Charles III and is one of the most important occasions for the royal household.
The celebration began with a royal procession from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III and Queen Camilla traveled in an open carriage, accompanied by the Household Cavalry, while thousands of people lined the Mall to greet them. At the Horse Guards Parade, the king inspected the troops of the Household Division and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. In total, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians took part in the parade, who with precise marching formations and music emphasized the traditional bond between the monarchy and the armed forces.
After the parade, the royal family returned to Buckingham Palace, where they gathered on the balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flyover. Fighter jets flew in formation over the London sky, leaving smoke trails in red, white, and blue – a vivid sign of national pride.
Alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony were also Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sir Timothy Laurence, and Princess Anne. This family gathering was perceived as an expression of unity within the royal family on this official occasion.
The event attracted numerous spectators from across the United Kingdom, who gathered along the streets near the palace to share the atmosphere and the solemn spectacle. However, there were also protests from anti-monarchy groups, who during the ceremony displayed signs reading “Not my king” and images of Prince Andrew to highlight their criticism of the monarchy.
“Trooping the Colour” has roots in an ancient military tradition. Originally, it was a means to present the regiments’ flags to the soldiers; today it primarily represents the bond between the army and the Crown and is celebrated as a symbol of monarchical continuity. The ceremony is held every year in June and attracts not only British citizens but also many international visitors.
The conclusion of the celebrations was marked by another Royal Air Force flyover, during which the planes flew in various formations above the palace, impressing the audience with their maneuvers. Overall, “Trooping the Colour” 2026 offered an impressive glimpse into British history and the role of the monarchy in modern Great Britain.