Trooping the Color, the traditional birthday procession for the British monarch, will honour the King on Saturday, June 17. Though Charles has attended the traditional royal event since he was a youngster, first for his grandfather, King George VI, and then for his mother, Queen Elizabeth, this year’s celebrations are special since they are his first as monarch.

The ritualistic presentation of the military’s regimental flags, known as “colors,” is thought to have begun during the rule of King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685. 

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What Happens at the Parade

On June 17, 1,500 troops, 300 horses, and 400 musicians will form a patriotic show of military precision, horsemanship, and fanfare. The royal family travels by horse-drawn carriage or on horseback from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guard’s Parade in St. James’ Park, which is over a mile away. The 74-year-old King will receive a royal salute and inspect troops from the Household Division, who will be outfitted in crimson tunics and bearskin hats for the occasion.

Will Prince Harry be attending the Ceremony

According to Daily Mail, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited to the ceremony though Prince William and his family is supposed to play an important role at the event. According to the English media, this will be the first time Prince Harry won’t be attending this ceremony since Queen Elizabeth II (who died in September 2022) invited the Sussexites to attend it in 2022.

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Widening Gap in the Royal Family

Harry appeared alone in court on June 6 and 7, when he and several other renowned personalities sued Mirror Group Newspapers. According to the Daily Mail, he had no communication with his sibling or father.

This eviction appears to underscore Prince William’s brother’s growing estrangement from the British royal family. “I’m afraid it’s a reflection of the current state of relations,” an English media source said, alluding to the Duke of Sussex’s strained relationship with the British royal family.