The annual celebration of the Sovereign’s birthday milestone is marked by music and military precision from Horse Guards Parade in London for the Trooping of the Colour.
When is King Charles III’s birthday?
The monarch’s official birthday is celebrated on Saturday June 13, 2026. However, King Charles’s actual birthday is November 14 and he was born in the year 1948. But the Sovereign’s birthday is celebrated during the summer months on a completely different date to his actual birthday milestone.
In June each year Trooping the Colour, also known as ‘The King’s Birthday Parade’, is held in London. With His Majesty the King taking the salute Trooping the Colour is the highlight of the ceremonial calendar with over 1400 officers and men, two hundred horses and the Massed Bands of the Household Division on parade.
What time is Trooping the Colour and how to watch?
Coverage of the King’s Birthday Parade begins at 10.30am on Saturday June 13 and is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Clare Balding will be presenting the live coverage, Michell Ackerley will speaking to those at the event and Clare will also be joined by special guest Gyles Brandreth.
Audio Described commentary with Hannah French will be available on Red Button and BBC iPlayer. There will also be commentary free, uninterrupted coverage of the live events in London on BBC iPlayer. Highlights of the day’s events will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer from 7.05pm.
King Charles’s official birthday celebrations will include with the traditional appearance of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, followed by the annual RAF flypast in the skies over London.
This year, the Grenadier Guards will troop their Colour before His Majesty The King.