King Charles III has followed in his late mother’s footsteps Queen Elizabeth II and will officially celebrate his birthday twice a year as the reigning monarch. Today (November 14) he celebrates turning 76 years old – but he go on to mark the occasion with the British public next summer as well.
Queen Elizabeth celebrated two birthdays each year throughout her seven-decade reign. The Royal Family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour.
Her Majesty was born in 1926 on April 21, but the official parade took place every June. The parade takes place on Horse Guards Parade, which is located by St James’s Park in London.
This dates all the way back to 1748 when King George II decided to create the military procession for the reigning sovereign. The parade became an annual event after his predecessor King George III who took the throne in 1760.
The parade features over 1,400 officers and soldiers, 200 horses, and more than 400 musicians from ten bands. It is one of the biggest military events and royal celebrations in the UK.
It is a huge display of pageantry that includes drills performed to 113 spoken commands – with members of the public able to buy tickets part of a ballot.
They all gather to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion.
On June 15 2025 the King will travel down The Mall from Buckingham Palace on horseback while being escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
His Colour is carried through the ranks of soldiers by one of the Regiment’s most junior Officers. After the Sovereign participates in the star-studded celebration he is then joined by other Members of the Royal Family.
Senior members, including Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, take centre stage with their children and greet the public.
Meanwhile, other royals such as his sister Princess Anne as well as the Duke of Edinburgh, Edward, and his wife Duchess Sophie, join him.
They all gather to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion.
However today, King Charles will spend his birthday working and attending public engagements.
He is continuing to support the Coronation Food Project – just like he did for his 75th birthday. Last November, the King launched the Coronation Food Project, which aims to support the nation during the cost-of-living crisis by redistributing food destined for landfills.
