King Charles III Celebrates Birthday with Trooping the Colour Parade

King Charles III marked his official birthday with the traditional "Trooping the Colour" ceremony, a grand military parade held annually in London. Despite his actual birthday being in November, the tradition dictates the public celebration takes place in the summer, weather permitting.

The King, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, led the procession from Buckingham Palace along the ceremonial route of The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. They traveled in a carriage, accompanied by hundreds of Guards soldiers, as thousands of Britons and tourists lined the streets to cheer them on.

Princess Kate, 44, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, made a notable return to public duties, participating fully in the parade. She traveled in a separate carriage with her children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. Kate was seen in a light blue Catherine Walker outfit complemented by a Philip Treacy hat.

Several other members of the royal family were also present. Prince William rode on horseback, as did the King's siblings, Princess Anne, 75, and Prince Edward, 62. The ceremony, steeped in history dating back to the 18th century, involves the presentation of a military "colour" (flag) by one of the King's five infantry regiments each year.

While the event was largely a celebration, some anti-monarchy protesters were visible in the crowd, holding signs and voicing their dissent. The parade proceeded under sunny skies, with many spectators capturing the moment on their phones.