Thousands of spectators lined the streets of London on Saturday for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, marking the official birthday of King Charles III.

The traditional military parade, a centuries-old event, saw soldiers and musicians from the Household Division march from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, traveled in an Ascot Landau carriage.

Members of the Royal Family participated in the procession. As royal colonels, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh rode on horseback. The Princess of Wales, accompanied by her three children, traveled in a separate carriage, as did the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The event culminated with a spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, over Buckingham Palace. The King and Queen, along with other senior royals, watched the display from the palace balcony, with eight-year-old Prince Louis appearing captivated by the jets.

The King wore the uniform of the Grenadier Guards, featuring the cypher of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince of Wales, Prince William, is the Colonel of the Welsh Guards, a role he assumed in 2022 from King Charles, who had held the title for 48 years.

Crowds gathered along The Mall, with the Massed Bands of the Household Division providing musical accompaniment. The Duchess of Edinburgh rode in the first carriage of the procession alongside Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, husband of Princess Anne.

Trooping the Colour is a significant ceremonial event in the British calendar, steeped in military tradition. The "trooping" of the Colours, or regimental flags, was historically a way for soldiers to familiarize themselves with the flags and recognize them on the battlefield.

This year's ceremony holds particular significance as it is the first official birthday parade for King Charles III since his accession to the throne. The event underscores the continuity of royal tradition and the role of the monarchy in national life.