RF. King Charles to Reportedly Skip One Royal Tradition at Trooping the Colour for a Second Year in a Row

Trooping the Colour, the annual birthday parade that has long symbolized continuity and tradition in the British monarchy, will return this weekend with a notable adjustment. For the second consecutive year, King Charles III will attend the event by carriage instead of on horseback, reflecting ongoing accommodations made in light of his current health condition.

According to official reports and reputable sources including The Times and BBC News, King Charles will ride in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2025, rather than on horseback — a shift in royal tradition that has historical precedent.

Understanding Trooping the Colour: A Key National Event

Trooping the Colour is held annually in June to commemorate the reigning monarch’s official birthday. The ceremony involves a grand display of military precision and includes over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians from the British Army’s Household Division. The event concludes with the iconic Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast, which members of the Royal Family observe from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

The tradition dates back to the 18th century and was formalized under King George II in 1748, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Monarchs have historically reviewed the troops on horseback, a visible symbol of their role as Head of the Armed Forces.

Sources:

• British Army – Trooping the Colour
• UK Government – Trooping the Colour Overview

King Charles’s Modified Role Reflects a Changing Monarchy

In 2023, King Charles revived the horseback tradition during his first Trooping the Colour as monarch. That year, he rode alongside his son Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and his sister Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. The scene echoed past royal images from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who rode on horseback until 1986, transitioning to carriage appearances starting in 1987.

However, in 2024, and again in 2025, King Charles opted for a more measured role. The Times and multiple reputable outlets confirmed that the monarch will inspect the troops from a ceremonial carriage, while Queen Camilla accompanies him. This adjustment comes following his diagnosis with cancer, which was disclosed to the public by Buckingham Palace in February 2024.

“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments,” stated the official press release. “During this time, he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”

Sources:

• Royal.uk – King Charles Cancer Announcement, February 2024
• BBC News – Trooping the Colour 2024

A Continued Presence Despite Health Challenges

While details about King Charles’s diagnosis remain private, the Palace has confirmed he is undergoing weekly outpatient treatments and has since resumed many of his royal engagements.

For example, in spring 2024, the King hosted official state visits and resumed attending public events, including the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey and a garden party at Buckingham Palace. His continued appearances serve as reassurance of his commitment to the Crown and public life, despite necessary modifications to his schedule.

Source: The Guardian – King Charles Resumes Public Duties

Historical Precedent: Queen Elizabeth II and Evolving Traditions

King Charles’s choice to review the troops from a carriage is not without precedent. Queen Elizabeth II made a similar transition in 1987 after turning 60. From that point onward, she appeared at Trooping the Colour via coach, a format she maintained until her final public celebration in June 2022, just months before her passing in September of that year.

The Queen’s decision was widely seen as a graceful adaptation to age and mobility, preserving tradition while respecting health and logistical needs. Her final carriage appearance with then-Prince Charles at her side marked a generational moment of continuity, now echoed by King Charles in his own reign.

Source: The Royal Family – Trooping the Colour History

King Charles and His Connection to Equestrianism

Throughout his life, King Charles III has been closely associated with equestrian sports. He was an amateur jockey in his youth and competed in steeplechases during the 1980s. He also played polo competitively for several decades and has expressed a deep admiration for horses.

However, it is widely acknowledged that he no longer rides for leisure, a personal choice that has coincided with changes in his schedule and advancing age. While other members of the Royal Family — including Princess Anne and Prince Edward — continue to participate in equestrian events, Charles’s presence at Trooping the Colour now emphasizes symbolism over physical tradition.

Source: Horse & Hound Magazine – Royal Equestrian Traditions

What to Expect at Trooping the Colour 2025

According to official announcements, Trooping the Colour 2025 will follow a similar format to last year. Here’s what royal watchers can expect:

• Carriage Procession: King Charles and Queen Camilla will ride from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
• Inspection of the Troops: The King will inspect the Household Division from the carriage.
• Balcony Appearance: Members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, are expected to appear on the balcony to observe the RAF flypast.
• Television Coverage: The BBC will broadcast the event live across the UK and online, allowing international audiences to join the celebration.

These changes reflect the Palace’s ongoing effort to maintain ceremonial tradition while respecting the health and well-being of its principal figures.

Source: BBC – Trooping the Colour Broadcast Information

Public Reaction and Royal Commitment

The public has shown overwhelming support for King Charles amid his health challenges. Polling conducted by YouGov in early 2025 indicated that a majority of British citizens view the King’s continued participation in official duties as a sign of resilience and stability.

Moreover, health organizations such as Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support have expressed appreciation for the visibility the King’s announcement has brought to cancer awareness, particularly regarding early diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

Sources:

• YouGov – Royal Family Polling
• Macmillan Cancer Support – Awareness Statements

Conclusion: Balancing Royal Tradition with Modern Responsibility

As King Charles III continues to navigate the dual responsibilities of public service and personal health, the modifications to Trooping the Colour are a reflection of both respect for royal tradition and modern realities. His presence at the event, even from a carriage, reinforces the continuity of the monarchy and its role in national life.

By making carefully considered adjustments, the British Royal Family is demonstrating how age, health, and tradition can coexist with dignity and grace. The 2025 edition of Trooping the Colour will not only honor the monarch’s official birthday but also showcase the enduring adaptability of the Crown.

Verified Sources Cited:

1. Royal.uk – Statement on the King’s Health
2. BBC News – Trooping the Colour 2024
3. The Guardian – King Charles Returns to Public Duties
4. Cancer Research UK
5. Macmillan Cancer Support
6. British Army – Ceremonial Events
7. Horse & Hound – Royals and Equestrianism