King Charles III is poised to present himself as a resilient leader of the British monarchy during the Trooping the Colour celebrations in London this June. The royal family has faced significant health challenges and political disruptions since the start of the year.
In February, King Charles revealed he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Shortly after, Princess Kate, his daughter-in-law, received a similar diagnosis. Following a period of recovery, the King resumed public engagements in April, heightening anticipation for Trooping the Colour, a key event in the royal calendar.
However, this anticipation was dampened when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a snap general election earlier this month. Consequently, King Charles announced that the royal family would scale back their public appearances to avoid overshadowing the election campaign leading up to the July 4 polling date.
Despite these challenges, the British Army confirmed on Tuesday that the Trooping the Colour parade, marking the monarch’s official birthday, will proceed as planned on June 15. The event will see King Charles ceremonially salute the banner of the Irish Guards regiment, with Princess Kate serving as its colonel. The parade will also feature a carriage procession and a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance by senior royals.
Although King Charles is keen to participate, Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm his attendance, pending consultations with his medical team. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams emphasized the significance of the King’s participation, noting that it would signal his improving health to a global audience.
“The King clearly plans to attend, despite undergoing cancer treatment. He may use a carriage instead of riding horseback, as he did last year,” Fitzwilliams told Newsweek. “His appearance is especially significant during this period of treatment, as it will demonstrate his resilience and commitment to his duties.”
Traditionally, Trooping the Colour is attended by senior working members of the royal family, including Princess Kate. However, following her cancer diagnosis in March, her return to public life remains uncertain. A Kensington Palace spokesperson recently stated that the Princess is not expected to resume her duties until cleared by her medical team.
Adjustments are being made to accommodate King Charles’s health during the event. Reports suggest he may ride in a carriage instead of on horseback, a decision still under review. Alongside other prominent royals, King Charles is expected to appear on the palace balcony for the RAF flypast, contingent on his health and medical advice.
Last year’s Trooping the Colour, the first under King Charles III, was a significant occasion. The King rode horseback alongside the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, all in military attire, while Princess Kate and Queen Camilla opted for civilian outfits. Notably absent were Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and other non-working royals.
Princess Kate’s ongoing treatment has kept her away from royal duties. She was named Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023, and her absence from this year’s Trooping the Colour is likely. A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed that General James Bucknall would perform the role of Inspecting Officer on her behalf during the Colonel’s Review.
Kate’s health has been a concern since her abdominal surgery in January, followed by a cancer diagnosis in March. She has been focusing on her recovery and her family, with no set date for her return to public engagements. The Princess has expressed her determination to resume her royal duties once her medical team clears her.
King Charles, despite his own health battles, has continued to fulfill his royal duties, meeting world leaders and holding engagements at Buckingham Palace. His participation in Trooping the Colour is seen as a testament to his dedication and resilience.
The royal family, facing significant health challenges, remains committed to their public roles. The Trooping the Colour celebration will be a moment for King Charles to demonstrate his strength and leadership amid these trying times.
