The military has confirmed that King Charles’s birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, will go ahead as planned despite the recent general election announcement. The annual event, which marks the Sovereign’s official birthday, is a grand military parade and march.
“Company Number 9, Irish Guards, has been chosen to form troops of its colour,” says an official statement. However, there is uncertainty regarding Kate Middleton’s participation. One royal expert commented: “As her colonel, the Princess of Wales would normally be expected to take part in The Colonel’s Review a week before Trooping. However, her ongoing cancer treatment means this is not yet confirmed.”
Royal expert Cameron Walker took xformer Twitter handle, and tweeted: “CONFIRMED: The King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) WILL go ahead despite the upcoming general election, the Army confirmed.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson had said: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a general election, the Royal Family will, in accordance with normal procedure, postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign. “Their Majesties send their sincerest apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
Trooping the Color is traditionally held to celebrate the monarch’s official birthday with a grand display of military precision and pageantry. This year, the confirmation of the parade comes against the backdrop of the upcoming UK general election.
Last week, the British royal family announced the postponement of several engagements that could distract from the election campaign after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set the election date for July 4. Despite these postponements, the decision to go ahead with Trooping the Color indicates the importance of this long-standing tradition in the British monarchy.
The parade will be closely watched, not only for its ceremonial splendor but also for any signs of participation by key members of the royal family, including the Princess of Wales, whose health remains a concern.