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 events in the royal family.
The celebrations began with a royal procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III and Queen Camilla rode in an open carriage, escorted 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. The parade featured over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, demonstrating the traditional connection 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 in formation over the London sky, leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke—a vivid symbol of national pride.
Standing 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 seen as an expression of the royal family’s unity during the official event.
The event attracted numerous spectators from across the United Kingdom, who gathered on the surrounding streets near the palace to enjoy the atmosphere and festive spectacle. At the same time, anti-monarchy groups held protests during the ceremony, carrying signs with the message “Not my king” and images of Prince Andrew, thus expressing their criticism of the monarchy.
“Trooping the Colour” originates from an age-old military tradition. Initially, it served to present regimental flags to the soldiers; today, it symbolizes the connection between the army and the crown and is celebrated as a sign of monarchical continuity. The ceremony is held every year in June and attracts not only British citizens but also numerous foreign visitors.
The conclusion of the celebrations was marked by another Royal Air Force Flypast, during which planes flew various formations over the palace, impressing the audience with their maneuvers. Overall, the 2026 “Trooping the Colour” provided an impressive view of British history and the role of the monarchy in modern Great Britain.