All the best moments from The King's first official birthday parade
The Royal Family in pictures at Trooping the Colour.
King Charles' first official birthday as monarch took place on Saturday 17 June, with the Trooping the Colour parade. The Royal Family were out in force to celebrate the occasion, joining in with the military displays and special Red Arrows flypast, as well as making their traditional balcony appearance.
Trooping the Colour is a parade held to mark the British Sovereign's official birthday, and this was the first since King Charles ascended to the throne. Although the event is held in honour of The King's birthday, it doesn't coincide with the actual date, as King Charles was born on 14 November.
The King's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was famous for celebrating two birthdays every year in the same manner. She was born on 21 April but felt the weather would be too cold and unpredictable for a grand parade at that time of year.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended The King's first Trooping the Colour with all three of their children. Other senior members of the Royal Family such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also present. While most members of the family were photographed arriving in open carriages as they waved to the crowds, The King, Prince William, Prince Edward and Princess Anne had official roles on horseback, and were spotted in full military uniform.
Here, we round up some of the best moments from the historic occasion in pictures, from the magnificent horses and stunning air displays, to adorable interactions between the royal children. And of course, some iconic facial expressions from cheeky Prince Louis!
The Princes on horseback
Prince William and Prince Edward (The King's youngest brother) follow the The King on horseback. King Charles rides ahead wearing his Welsh Guards Uniform, to take the salute outside of the palace.
The royal band
A drummer leads the other members of the band on horseback down The Mall, during the Trooping the Colour parade. They all wear gold-braided jackets featuring King Charles' insignia.
Typhoon display
Typhoon jets arrange themselves to display the letters 'CR' in honour of The King (standing for Charles Rex, as Rex is Latin for King). This photo captures the eighteen jets over the Royal Courts for Justice in London.
The Duchess of Edinburgh arrives
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh waves from her open carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade. The Duchess wears an all-cream ensemble including a flared-sleeve dress and chic, asymmetric hat.
The young Princess
Princess Charlotte looks adorable in a white button-up dress with a sailor-style collar and bow, featuring bold red accents. She wears her hair in a neat, braided up-do for the occasion and looks to be on her best behaviour as she waves to crowds.
The Royal Family on the balcony
The King and Queen join the Prince and Princess of Wales, with their three children, and wave to crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace
Standing out from the crowd
The Princess of Wales is a vision in green as she observes the formal military displays at the Trooping the Colour parade.
A sneak peek
The Duchess of Edinburgh is spotted through the window at Buckingham Palace, pointing out at the sights to Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The flypast
The Red Arrows conduct their traditional flypast over Buckingham Palace, flying in formation to release red, white and blue smoke in honour of The King's official birthday.
The Princess Royal in uniform
Princess Anne rides on horseback in full military uniform along The Mall during the parade. The Princess Royal has a long history with the military and holds a number of titles.
The much-loved prince
Prince Louis being his usual cheeky self on the balcony, making hilarious faces during the RAF flypast.
Father and daughter
Princess Charlotte shares a sweet moment with her dad, the Prince of Wales, on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Prince William stands with his hands over his daughter's shoulders, as she holds onto him during the RAF display.
The Queen and the Princess
The Queen and the Princess of Wales wave to crowds wearing striking colours. Queen Camilla is smart in a red and black military coat, while Kate opts for an all-green look and matching, wide-rimmed hat.
Two princes
Prince George and Prince Louis greet crowds from an open carriage through London and wear matching suits for the special occasion. They are dressed in the colours of the Union Jack flag, with navy jackets, white shirts and red ties.
Looking to the skies
The young Princes George and Louis point to the skies where a flypast takes place. They stand alongside their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and grandparents, The King and Queen, on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
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