-720x405.jpg)
It’s always one of the highlights of the royal calendar – the military spectacle that marks the official birthday of the British Monarch. And this year, the Trooping the Colour pageant was an extra-special occasion because it was the first for the new King, Charles III.
It was also the first time in 37 years that the Monarch has ridden a horse in the event. The late Queen, Elizabeth II, stopped riding after she turned 60 in 1986. But the King, 74, decided to make his first Trooping the Colour particularly memorable by making his way from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade on horseback.
His horse, Noble, proved to be somewhat skittish but His Majesty, an accomplished rider since childhood, was able to keep him under control.
Joining Charles on horseback were his son, Prince William, 41, and his siblings Princess Anne, 72, and Prince Edward. It was the first time Edward, 59, has ridden a horse in Trooping the Colour.
Charles – barely visible under a massive bearskin hat – took the royal salute as Colonel in Chief of the Household Division’s seven regiments, while the others were there as ceremonial colonels of the Welsh Guards (William), Blues and Royals (Anne) and 1st Battalion London Guards (Edward).
Queen Camilla, 75, is also a skilled equestrian, but she travelled in a carriage for the event. Her red silk coat dress was inspired by the uniform tunics of the Grenadier Guards, the regiment of which she is colonel.
Riding alongside, Catherine, Princess of Wales, 41, wore a striking green dress and hat to mark her recent appointment as colonel of the Irish Guards.
Her three children also took part in the event, including appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace afterwards to watch a flypast of military planes. Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, were all well-behaved but as usual, it was Louis who stole the show with his face-pulling and cheeky gestures.
The youngster wasn’t too impressed when he got a whiff of horse manure while riding in the carriage with his siblings. But he cheered on the balcony as he waited excitedly to see the planes roaring overhead. And he slipped in a subtle salute to the crowds as the family made their way back inside the palace.
The flypast included a surprise for the King – RAF jets flew in formation to mark out the letters CR for Charles Rex (king).
Clip-clopping behind Charles is (from left) William, Edward and Anne.
(Image: Getty)
Yes, it is your King under here!
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
Great companions Camilla and Kate show their true colours.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
Wave if you’re having a good time!
(Image: Getty)
A motorbike may be more to Louis’ liking!
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
William shares a sweet moment with Charlotte.
(Image: Getty)
Charles didn’t include brother Andrew or son Harry in the balcony line-up.
(Image: Getty)
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh looks serene in cream.
(Image: Getty)
Louis signs off.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty)
The Red Arrows put on a colourful display.
(Image: Getty)
