Charles briefly brought back the tradition of having the monarch on horseback before his illness

King Charles will miss out on a major royal tradition during his birthday parade this weekend.

Trooping the Colour is set to take place this Saturday (June 14) in London.
Charles will ride in a carriage again this year (Credit: CoverImages.com)

King Charles will not ride horseback at his birthday parade

This weekend, Charles will not ride on horseback at Trooping the Colour for the second year in a row.

Back in 2023, during his first Trooping the Colour as monarch, Charles took the salute on horseback. The tradition of the monarch riding a horse during the parade dates back to 1901.

It was the first time a monarch had appeared at the parade on horseback since the last time Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1986.

However, last year, the king was forced to take a carriage at the parade due to his cancer treatment.

Now, it’s been reported that the king will once again take a carriage in this year’s parade.
Charles’ days of riding horseback are over it seems (Credit: CoverImages.com)

King Charles to scrap horseback ride at birthday parade

Charles will reportedly ride in a carriage with Queen Camilla for the procession from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade on Saturday. Reports claim that this is because it was deemed to be safer and more comfortable for him.

The curtailing of riding horseback at the parade is one of the few concessions he has made while battling cancer and working a full diary.

According to The Times, Charles will never ride on horseback again at the parade.

Unlike his siblings, Charles, who was an accomplished polo player and amateur jockey during his day, no longer rides for pleasure.

In contrast, the late Queen Elizabeth was still riding horses at the age of 96 up to two months before her death in 2022.
The king has two birthdays (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Why does King Charles have two birthdays?

Charles’ actual birthday is on November 14, so why is next weekend’s Trooping the Colour known as his birthday parade?

The king’s official birthday takes place in June each year. It was decided in 1748 that the ceremony would mark the official birthday of the sovereign. From 1760, after the accession of George III, it became an annual event.

But why June? Well, simply because the weather in the UK is better in June! If the parade were to be held on Charles’ actual birthday in November, the weather would likely be cold and wet. But, having the parade held in June means that most of the time, the weather is nice and sunny!

Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday was in April, however, she always had Trooping the Colour take place on the second Saturday in June.

It is unknown at the moment whether Prince William will have two birthday celebrations, what with his actual birthday being in June. He may ditch the tradition, however, this has yet to be confirmed.