Prince William Takes Charge of Rehearsals for King Charles' Inaugural Birthday Parade as Monarch

Charles III • British royal family • Trooping the Colour • William, Prince of Wales • Monarch: Prince William Leads Rehearsals for King Charles' Birthday Parade: Trooping the Colour.

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is taking charge of the preparations for Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the British monarch's birthday. The event, scheduled for June 17 at Horse Guards Parade, will mark King Charles' first birthday parade during his reign. Overseeing the final practice, Prince William, as the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, ensured that the regiment and other members of the household division were well-prepared.

During the rehearsal, Prince William reviewed more than 1,500 soldiers and 300 horses from the Household Division, including the Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Grenadier, and Coldstream Guards. They showcased intricate battlefield drill maneuvers accompanied by a program of music with a distinct Welsh theme. Compositions specifically created for the occasion were also performed by members of the Band of the Welsh Guards.

The parade, viewed by the royal family, including Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla, as well as millions of television viewers, will feature several firsts. It will be the inaugural birthday parade for King Charles and the first one for Prince William as the Prince of Wales. Additionally, it marked the first time Prince William undertook the rehearsal role since becoming the ceremonial Colonel of the Welsh Guards. Last year, he fulfilled the Colonel's review as the Colonel of the Irish Guards, a role that now belongs to Princess Kate.

In the lead-up to the parade, Prince William's office highlighted the Welsh Guards' accomplishments over the past year, including their involvement in training Ukrainian soldiers, jungle exercises in Belize and Jamaica, and ceremonial duties for the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Trooping the Colour is part of a busy period for the royal family, with the Order of the Garter celebration and the Royal Ascot horse races following the parade.