Being monarch of the United Kingdom comes with a unique tradition: King Charles celebrates his birthday not once, but twice a year.
In addition to his actual birthday on November 14, King Charles is also honored in June with a grand public celebration known as Trooping the Colour. In 2024, this event, now in its second year under his reign, is set to take place on Saturday, June 15 in London.
A Tradition Rooted in History and Weather
The idea of the monarch having both a real and an “official” birthday isn’t new. It began during the reign of King Charles II (1660–1685) and became more established in 1748. That year, it was decided that the annual military parade known as Trooping the Colour would be used to commemorate the monarch’s official birthday.
The reason behind this arrangement is practical: British weather. With its higher likelihood of sunshine, June offers a more reliable backdrop for outdoor ceremonies than November.
Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday was April 21, but she too celebrated publicly in June. When King Charles took the throne, he chose to continue this summer tradition for his official birthday, just like his mother did.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour gets its name from a military practice in which soldiers display their regimental flags — or “colours” — so that troops could recognize them on the battlefield. As the Royal Museums Greenwich explains, “The flag would be marched or ‘trooped’ regularly around the ranks. A regiment’s colours held deep importance for soldiers, and the gain or loss of those colours could decide the outcome of a battle.”
Today, the event is far more ceremonial. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians come together in a dazzling show of precision, tradition, and military pageantry to mark the King’s official birthday, according to Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Procession and Balcony Moment
On the day of the celebration, royal family members appear in a formal procession — some on horseback, others in horse-drawn carriages — parading along The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
King Charles receives the military salute before returning to Buckingham Palace, where he joins other royals on the balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flypast, including the iconic Red Arrows display team.
Royal Fashion and Family Appearances
The event is also a high point for royal watchers, with appearances from prominent family members. King Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne are often seen in full military uniform, while Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine, and others don their most elegant hats and daywear.
The younger royals always steal the spotlight. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and especially Prince Louis — children of the Prince and Princess of Wales — often capture attention with their expressions and antics. In 2022, Prince Louis memorably covered his ears and shouted as the RAF jets roared overhead, a moment that quickly went viral.
Looking Back at Queen Elizabeth’s Final Trooping
The 2022 Trooping the Colour was Queen Elizabeth II’s last. Held a few months before her passing, it kicked off the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking her remarkable 70-year reign.
Despite mobility issues, the Queen made several appearances on the Buckingham Palace balcony, supported by a cane. Her final balcony appearance, alongside King Charles, Prince William, and their families, marked the conclusion of the Jubilee weekend — a historic moment filled with emotion and national pride.