King Charles III is set to make a grand appearance at the annual Trooping the Colour event in London, marking his second time riding in a carriage as king. This traditional celebration, which honors the official birthday of the British monarch, will take place this Saturday. The event is expected to showcase the royal family in a united front, despite ongoing tensions with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have not been invited for the third consecutive year.
The 76-year-old king, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, will be joined by key members of the royal family, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children. They will participate in the festivities, which feature over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. The event concludes with a fly-past from the Royal Air Force, watched by the royal family from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Royal experts suggest that the family is deliberately keeping their distance from Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Their absence from the event highlights the ongoing rift within the family. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, noted that King Charles is too exhausted to engage with his younger son’s ongoing legal battles.
Trooping the Colour has been a royal tradition for over 260 years. This year, Prince William is expected to ride horseback alongside his aunt, Princess Anne, while his family will travel in a carriage. King Charles, however, will not ride on horseback, a break from tradition, as he continues to prioritize his health.
The event not only signifies royal tradition but also emphasizes resilience and stability during challenging times. Despite his health issues, Charles’s schedule remains busy, signaling optimism about his reign. As the royal family prepares for this celebration, they are also looking ahead to Charles’s upcoming 80th birthday in a few years.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was scheduled to be honored at a gala in Los Angeles on the same day as Trooping the Colour, but that event has been postponed due to protests in the city. Royal experts believe that the focus will be on the working royals, and the absence of the Sussexes will not be felt by the family.
As the Trooping the Colour event approaches, it is clear that the royal family is committed to presenting a united front, while also navigating the complex dynamics that exist within. The world will be watching as they celebrate this cherished tradition.