Charles III’s first birthday sees his first horse ride in 37 years

King Charles III Her first annual parade as Sovereign of the United Kingdom since her coronation in May this year took place in London this Saturday, the 17th. To celebrate his birthday, the King paraded in front of the British forces on horseback.

Already considered a tradition among the British, the iconic parade has not been held since 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September aged 96, rode for the last time.

Held in June each year, the official military parade in London marks the official birthday of the monarch, who will turn 75 on November 14. Later it was customary for the king to hold another celebration in private.

Charles III left Buckingham Palace At 10:30 am (06:30 GMT) to join the procession under cloudy skies, followed by his son William, heir to the throne, his brother Prince Edward and his sister Princess Anne. Like the sovereign, everyone joined the celebration on horseback.

Other members of the British royal family also attended the anniversary parade, but did not ride in the event. Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine and their three children followed the celebration in a carriage.

The tradition of the parade, known as “Trooping the Colour”, dates back to the reign of George II in 1748, who, although born on October 30, preferred to take advantage of the good weather in early summer to celebrate his birthday.

The televised ceremony is considered one of Britain’s most traditional, attracting huge crowds around Buckingham Palace every year. In addition to popular engagement, the event mobilizes the national army, with around 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses in a parade organized in Horse Guards Parade Square in the heart of the British capital. .

Juno led the procession, followed by Perseus, Atlas, and Apollo, three horses named from Greek mythology. The animals that carry the drums during parades are the oldest in the British Army and carry the rank of Major. /AFP