Central London will soon be the scene of grand pomp and pageantry for this year’s Trooping the Colour – but there will be one change afoot as King Charles continues undergoing cancer treatment. The King was handed a diagnosis in February 2024 after spending three nights at Marylebone’s The London Clinic to treat an enlarged prostate. Tests subsequently detected cancer.
The King, 76, reflected on the personal impact of his cancer diagnosis in a public message earlier this year, describing it as a “daunting and at times frightening experience”. He wrote that more than ever, he appreciated the “profound impact of human connection”, and how how “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion”.
King Charles said he is now “used to living with cancer”, adding: “I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.” The monarch is having weekly treatment and palace insiders say he is well and able to actively fulfil his royal duties, although with some amendments.
One such change is going to be this year’s Trooping the Colour, officially known as The King’s Birthday Parade, due to take place next Saturday, June 14. For many years, the King rode in the procession for the late Queen’s official birthday celebrations.
But this year, King Charles will not ride horseback and will take a carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade and back again, the Sunday Times writes.
The King last rode in the ceremony in 2023 and it was seen as a momentous occasion – the first time a monarch had ridden during the Troop of the Colour since Queen Elizabeth II last rode in 1986. But in 2024, the King rode in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla and it is understood they will repeat the practice again this year.
One member of the Royal Family will be donning their riding breeches for next Saturday’s event. Princess Anne, 74, is famed as an exceptional horsewoman but she has not ridden in public since a suspected riding injury last year.
It is believed the Princess Royal plans to ride during the ceremony, fulfilling her roles as gold stick, colonel of the Blues and Royals. Also riding in the parade will be the Prince of Wales as colonel of the Welsh Guards and the Duke of Edinburgh as colonel of the Scots Guards and London Guards.
BBC confirms TV coverage timings for Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour takes place on Saturday, June 14, in London. The broadcaster will show highlights on BBC Two at 7pm before airing Trooping the Colour: the King’s Birthday Parade at 10:30pm on BBC One.
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