King Charles III’s Trooping the Colour Celebration: Who Will Attend?

King Charles III‘s official birthday is celebrated on Saturday 15 June 2024, with the Trooping of the Colour event held at Horse Guards Parade in London. Clare Balding will host live coverage on BBC One, showcasing the Irish Guards trooping their colour amid music, majesty, and military precision.

The event will include the annual RAF flypast and the iconic balcony appearance by the royal family at Buckingham Palace. Notably, King Charles III, on doctor’s orders, will participate walking rather than on horseback, in line with his move towards a ‘slimmed down monarchy’.

Last year, the balcony at Trooping the Colour featured King Charles III, Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Also present were Prince Edward, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Duke of Kent, and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Unlike previous years, only working royals attended the balcony event last year. Reports suggest that the Princess of Wales might make an appearance this year if she is feeling well enough, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to keep a low profile from their royal duties.

Considering the health challenges faced by some senior royals, the extended family members like Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Zara Tindall have been stepping in to fulfill royal engagements. These individuals have become increasingly prominent in recent royal events, emphasizing King Charles III’s decision-making regarding their inclusion at this year’s Trooping the Colour.