Guide to the 2024 Trooping the Colour: Royal Attendees and Event Highlights

Everything to Know About the 2024 Trooping the Colour

King Charles III (C), wearing his Welsh Guards uniform, accompanied by Prince William (L), and Prince Edward (R) Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The British royal family is preparing for one of their most significant events of the year. The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony celebrates the monarch's birthday with a large military parade and the well-known gathering of royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony to witness the Royal Air Force fly-over.

Last year, in June 2023, King Charles III participated in his first Trooping the Colour ceremony since becoming the monarch after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96 in September 2022. To mark this special occasion, Charles, who is 75 years old, brought back the tradition of riding alongside the military during the parade from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.

During the parade last year, several members of the royal family, such as Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate Middleton, and Princess Anne, accompanied Charles along the route. After the parade, they greeted the public from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Additionally, the children of William and Kate - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - charmed the crowd with their smiles and playful antics.

It is unclear how Prince Charles' ongoing cancer treatments will impact this year's Trooping the Colour. He made a comeback to public events in April 2024, just two months after being diagnosed with a type of cancer that was not specified.

Scroll down to find out all the details about this year's Trooping the Colour:

When Is the 2024 Trooping the Colour?

This year’s Trooping the Colour celebrations will take place on Saturday, June 15.

Everything to Know About the 2024 Trooping the Colour

Neil Mockford/Getty Images

What to Expect at the 2024 Trooping the Colour

The parade will start at Buckingham Palace and move towards Horse Guards Parade in St. James’s Park. There, Charles will inspect the military troops before heading back to the palace for the Royal Air Force fly-over.

The Household Division is a group of regiments responsible for guarding the official royal residences. According to royal expert Gareth Russell, these regiments, which include the five-foot two cavalry, play a crucial role in protecting the king and queen.

Every year, the king and queen participate in a parade from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard Parade, where the soldiers are inspected by the monarch. This event attracts a large crowd, offering the public a chance to witness the traditional ceremony.

Russell emphasized that the parade allows the seven regiments to come together and be formally recognized by the monarchy for their dedication in safeguarding the royal family throughout the year. It serves as a special occasion to honor their important role in protecting the royal residences.

Is There a Rehearsal for Trooping the Colour in 2024?

Before the main event on June 15, there will be two rehearsals. The first one, called The Major General’s Review, is scheduled for Saturday, June 1. The second rehearsal, known as the Colonel’s Review, will take place on Saturday, June 8.

Everything to Know About the 2024 Trooping the Colour

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Royals Attending the 2024 Trooping the Colour

Charles and Camilla, 76, are confirmed to attend this year's events. Charles will not be riding horseback during the parade like last year, instead, he will be sitting in a carriage with his wife.

Will Princess Kate Attend the 2024 Trooping the Colour?

Other members of the royal family, such as William, 41, and Anne, 73, are likely to join in the ceremonies scheduled for the day. It has not been confirmed by the palace if William and Kate's children will participate in the event after Kate shared her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.

The palace announced in May 2024 that Kate will not be taking part in a Trooping the Colour practice due to her ongoing recovery from cancer. Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE will step in as Inspecting Officer in her place.

It is still uncertain if Kate will attend the June 15 event, with a source telling Vanity Fair in May 2024 that there is no set timeline for her return to royal duties.

Catherine will return to work when she feels ready and receives approval from her medical team. There is no doubt that she will be back 100 percent.

Everything to Know About the 2024 Trooping the Colour

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the 2024 Trooping the Colour?

It is unclear if Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - will be at the Trooping the Colour this year. They did not attend last year's event and have not been seen on the balcony at Buckingham Palace since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Only working royals are said to be allowed on the balcony to watch the fly-over.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony holds great significance as it marks King Charles III's first official birthday celebration as monarch. The event promises to be a grand spectacle, featuring a military parade, royal processions, and a captivating Royal Air Force fly-over. The presence of senior royals, including Prince William, Princess Kate Middleton, and Princess Anne, will add to the occasion's grandeur.

However, the article also highlights the ongoing battle that King Charles III and Princess Kate are facing. Charles' cancer diagnosis and Kate's recent cancer announcement have raised concerns about their participation in the festivities. The palace's decision to have Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE, step in for Kate at the Trooping the Colour practice is a testament to the seriousness of her health condition. The article leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty, as it remains unclear whether Kate or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the main event on June 15.