London – 13.06.2026: On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the British Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to hold the traditional “Trooping the Colour” ceremony. This annual event marks the official birthday of King Charles III and is one of the most important occasions of the year for the Royal Family.
The ceremony began with a royal parade from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III and Queen Camilla rode in an open carriage, escorted by the Household Cavalry Royal Horse Guards, while thousands of people lined the Mall to welcome them. At Horse Guards Parade, the king reviewed 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 participated in the parade, performing precise marching formations and musical displays to showcase the traditional connection 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 a flypast by the Royal Air Force. Fighter jets flew in formation over the skies of London, leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke – a vivid sign of pride in the nation.
Alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla were Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sir Timothy Laurence, and Princess Anne standing on the balcony. This family gathering is seen as a symbol of unity within the Royal Family on this official celebration.
The event attracted many spectators from across the United Kingdom, who gathered along the streets around the palace to immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere and grand occasion. However, there were also protests by groups opposing the monarchy, holding banners such as “Not my king” along with images of Prince Andrew to express ongoing criticism of the monarchy.
“Trooping the Colour” originates from an ancient military tradition. Originally, its purpose was to display unit flags to the soldiers; today it primarily symbolizes the relationship between the military and the Royal Family and is regarded as a symbol of the continuity of the monarchy. The festival is held annually in June and draws not only British citizens but also many international visitors.
The activities concluded with an additional flypast by the Royal Air Force, during which planes performed various formations over the palace, leaving the audience in awe of their flying skills. Overall, the 2026 “Trooping the Colour” provided an impressive glimpse into the history of England and the role of the monarchy in modern Britain.