King Charles’ Trooping the Colour Shift Marks End of Equestrian Era
King Charles III will make a significant change to the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 14, 2025, opting to ride in a carriage instead of on horseback, a decision driven by his ongoing cancer treatment.
This shift, reported by The Times, signals the permanent end of the monarch’s participation in the parade on horseback, a tradition he briefly revived in 2023. As one of the royal family’s most accomplished equestrians, this change marks a poignant moment in royal history, reflecting both health considerations and a transition in ceremonial practices.
The Trooping the Colour, an annual event celebrating the British monarch’s official birthday, has been a cornerstone of royal tradition for over 260 years. This year’s parade, the third since King Charles ascended the throne on September 8, 2022, will feature the monarch traveling in a horse-drawn carriage alongside Queen Camilla.
This adaptation, first implemented in 2024, prioritizes the King’s safety and comfort as he continues weekly cancer treatments following his diagnosis in February 2024. According to The Telegraph, the treatment is progressing in a “very positive direction,” but it is expected to continue for the remainder of his life, shaping decisions about his public engagements.
Historically, the Trooping the Colour has showcased the monarch’s equestrian prowess, with King Charles riding a black mare named Noble in 2023, the first time a monarch had done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. The late Queen, who rode her beloved horse Burmese until age 60, transitioned to a carriage in 1987, a precedent Charles now follows at 76.
The decision to forego horseback riding is not only health-driven but also practical, as Noble’s skittish behavior during the 2023 parade drew attention, with commentators likening it to a racehorse at the starting gate. This year’s carriage ride, likely in an Ascot Landau, ensures a safer and more comfortable experience for the King.
Meanwhile, the parade will see other royals uphold the equestrian tradition. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, will make her first public horseback appearance since a horse-related accident in June 2024 left her hospitalized with a concussion. At 75, her participation alongside Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, underscores the royal family’s resilience.
Prince William, as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, will ride in his ceremonial red tunic, while Princess Anne, as Gold Stick and Colonel of the Blues and Royals, continues her storied equestrian legacy. This contrast highlights the evolving dynamics within the royal family as they balance tradition with personal health challenges.
The Trooping the Colour ceremony itself remains a spectacle of military precision and royal pageantry. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians will participate, with the procession moving from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade.
The event culminates in the iconic Royal Air Force flypast, viewed from the Buckingham Palace balcony by senior royals, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who traditionally attend. However, uncertainty surrounds Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing cancer treatment and may not attend, potentially affecting the presence of her children.
This year’s parade also carries broader implications for the monarchy’s future. The Telegraph reports that King Charles and Queen Camilla are unlikely to move into Buckingham Palace after its restoration in 2027, a decision influenced by the King’s health and long-term planning.
Despite this, there is optimism about his longevity, with aides already preparing for his 80th birthday celebrations in 2028. Speculation also surrounds a potential reunion with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, during the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, England, offering a glimmer of hope for family reconciliation.
The shift to a carriage reflects a broader narrative of adaptation within the royal family. King Charles has spoken candidly about the “daunting and at times frightening experience” of his cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the “profound impact of human connection” in facing illness.
His decision to prioritize health while maintaining public duties demonstrates a commitment to duty, echoing the resilience of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who adapted her participation in the parade as she aged. The change also aligns with the monarchy’s efforts to modernize while preserving traditions, ensuring the Trooping the Colour remains a vibrant celebration of British heritage.
As the royal family navigates these changes, the public’s attention will focus on the Buckingham Palace balcony, a moment that symbolizes unity and continuity. Last year, only working royals appeared, excluding non-working members like Prince Andrew and Prince Harry.
This year, the King may invite extended family members, such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, or Zara Tindall, to fill the void left by potential absences, reflecting a more inclusive approach amid health challenges.
The Trooping the Colour 2025 promises to be a poignant event, blending tradition with adaptation. King Charles’ decision to ride in a carriage, likely a permanent change, underscores the monarchy’s ability to evolve while honoring its storied past. As the nation gathers to celebrate, the parade will serve as a testament to resilience, both personal and institutional, in the face of adversity.
FAQs About King Charles’ Trooping the Colour 2025 Change
Why is King Charles using a carriage instead of riding horseback?
King Charles is opting for a carriage due to his ongoing cancer treatment, which requires adaptations to ensure his safety and comfort. This change, reported by The Times, is considered permanent due to his health needs.
Will Princess Anne ride horseback at Trooping the Colour 2025?
Yes, Princess Anne plans to ride horseback, marking her first public equestrian appearance since a June 2024 accident. She will join Prince William and Prince Edward in the parade.
Who else will attend Trooping the Colour 2025?
Senior royals, including Prince William, Prince Edward, and possibly Kate Middleton’s children, are expected to attend. The Buckingham Palace balcony may also feature extended family members like Princess Beatrice or Zara Tindall.
What is the significance of Trooping the Colour?
The Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old ceremony celebrating the monarch’s official birthday, featuring a military parade, carriage processions, and an RAF flypast. It has been a royal tradition since the reign of King Charles II.
Will Kate Middleton attend Trooping the Colour 2025?
It remains uncertain whether Kate Middleton, who is undergoing cancer treatment, will attend. Her absence from the Colonel’s Review rehearsal suggests she may not participate in the main event.