After decades of riding in the Monarch’s birthday parade, both as Prince of Wales and King, Charles III will ride in a carriage like last year – not on horseback – at Trooping the Colour, according to The Sunday Times. The 76-year-old Sovereign is not expected to ride on horseback at future Troopings either.
In January 2024, the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate and was shortly thereafter diagnosed with cancer. Despite continuing to carry out official duties, his condition has required some adjustments to royal events.
2023 marked the first time the Monarch had ridden in the parade since Elizabeth in 1986, when she rode Burmese, her trusty mare. After Burmese was retired, the late Queen travelled in a carriage from 1987 until her final appearance in 2022, when she took the salute from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
While The King steps back from riding at Trooping the Colour, other senior Royals will continue the tradition. The Princess Royal plans to ride in this year’s parade in her role as Gold Stick and Colonel of the Blues and Royals, despite sustaining a head injury in a horse-related incident last year.
She’ll be joined by The Prince of Wales, who will ride in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, and The Duke of Edinburgh, who will also be mounted as Colonel of the Scots Guards and London Guards.
Trooping the Colour is one of the key highlights of the Royal calendar, which draws in the crowds from across the country and overseas visitors. The event will feature the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance and flypast.
