London Celebrates King Charles III’s Official Birthday
London buzzed with excitement and tradition on June 14, 2025, as crowds gathered for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, marking the official birthday of King Charles III. Despite his actual birthday being in November, British monarchs traditionally celebrate publicly in June, hoping for better weather – a wish granted this year with generally sunny skies contrasting with the rain of 2023.
Thousands of well-wishers lined The Mall, cheering as the grand military spectacle unfolded. King Charles and Queen Camilla were central to the event, riding in a carriage as part of the impressive procession that journeyed from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
The Grand Military Spectacle
The parade itself was a display of centuries-old military tradition, involving over 1,350 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. This year, the Colour of the Coldstream Guards was proudly trooped.
Upon arriving at Horse Guards Parade, King Charles performed the traditional duty of reviewing the impeccably turned-out guardsmen. As he is currently undergoing cancer treatment, the King rode in a carriage for the review, a change from the custom of riding on horseback, which he also did the previous year.
Senior members of the Royal Family participated, with Prince William, Princess Anne, and the Duke of Edinburgh joining the procession on horseback. Notably, this was Princess Anne’s first public equestrian appearance since sustaining a head injury in 2024. Following the review, the King and Queen returned to Buckingham Palace by carriage, while Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, rode in a separate open carriage along The Mall.
A Moment of Solemn Tribute
Amidst the vibrant pageantry, a poignant moment of reflection marked the ceremony. At King Charles’s specific request, participating members of the Royal Family wore black armbands, and a minute’s silence was observed during the parade. This heartfelt tribute honored the victims of the Air India plane crash. The tragedy being marked included the devastating 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, which resulted in significant loss of life, including over 50 Britons.
Royal Family Gather: Health and Presence
The presence of the King and the Princess of Wales added a layer of personal context to the public event. The King’s participation, while adapting to his health needs, was warmly received. Similarly, the Princess of Wales’s attendance alongside her children was met with public affection. She appeared smiling and engaged, her presence noted as a hopeful return to public life following her own cancer diagnosis, contrasting with the intense focus on her first post-diagnosis appearance the previous year. Her children, particularly seven-year-old Prince Louis, charmed onlookers with enthusiastic waves and smiles from their carriage.
The Balcony Finale & Eco-Flypast
The traditional culmination of Trooping the Colour saw the Royal Family gather on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony. King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by a large contingent of senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal.
From the balcony, they watched the spectacular Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast. A significant detail of the flypast was the Red Arrows aerobatic team using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuel for their signature vapour trails – reportedly a world first for an aerobatic team at a public event. This pioneering initiative aligns directly with King Charles’s well-known advocacy for environmental sustainability, particularly in the aviation sector.
Public Response: Cheers and Contention
The thousands of spectators lining The Mall and gathering in nearby parks created a lively atmosphere. Cheers and applause greeted the royal family throughout the day. Many attendees expressed strong support, particularly referencing the recent health challenges faced by the King and the Princess of Wales, highlighting the human aspect of the monarchy and their desire to show solidarity and thank the military personnel involved.
However, the day also saw a smaller, visible presence of anti-monarchist protesters displaying “Not My King” flags and chanting slogans, presenting a clear juxtaposition to the predominantly supportive crowds and the traditional cries of “God Save the King” as the family appeared on the balcony. Gun salutes in Green Park added further traditional ceremony to the day’s events.
Trooping the Colour 2025 successfully blended centuries-old military tradition and royal ceremony with moments of personal resilience and a significant, poignant tribute, all set against the backdrop of public engagement and the King’s ongoing environmental advocacy.
