My Obsession with Watching King Charles Get His Birthday Parade (And Why You Should Care Too)

By HOAR Team 14 June, 2025 5 mins read 124 Views

Look, I'll be honest with you.

I never thought I'd be the type of person who gets genuinely excited about royal ceremonies. My mum used to wake up at 4am to watch these things back in the 80s, and I'd roll my eyes so hard they practically fell out of my head. But here I am in 2025, already setting three alarms for June 14th because I refuse to miss what's shaping up to be the most spectacular Trooping the Colour in years. Sometimes life makes you eat your words, and apparently mine taste like British pageantry.

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The Whole Two-Birthday Thing Still Confuses Me

Charles was actually born on November 14th. November! But no, we're celebrating in June because... tradition? Weather? I honestly spent twenty minutes googling this last week and came away more confused than when I started. The sovereign gets two birthdays - one real, one ceremonial - and the ceremonial one happens when London weather won't completely ruin everyone's fancy hats.

It's like having a work birthday and a home birthday, except your work birthday involves 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians, and the Red Arrows flying overhead. Not exactly the same as cake in the office break room.

What Actually Happens (And Why It's Worth Losing Sleep Over)

The whole spectacle kicks off at 10:30am at Horse Guard Parade in central London. The Coldstream Guards will be there in full military regalia - and I mean FULL regalia. These aren't your average ceremonial uniforms; we're talking about the kind of outfits that take an hour to put on properly.

Here's where it gets interesting: only working royals show up. Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince William will be on horseback following King Charles and Queen Camilla, who get the luxury carriage treatment. Smart move, honestly - I can barely handle a pony ride at a county fair, let alone a full ceremonial parade.

Over 200 horses will be involved. Two hundred! That's more horses than most people see in their entire lifetime, all gathered in one place for a birthday party.

How to Actually Watch This Thing

You've got two options here, and both have their pros and cons.

Option one: brave the crowds in Central London. Fair warning - it's going to be absolutely mental. I made this mistake for the Jubilee celebrations and spent more time staring at the back of someone's head than actually seeing anything royal. But hey, if you're into that authentic "crushed against barriers with strangers" experience, go for it.

Option two (and honestly, the smarter choice): BBC One starts their live coverage at 10:30am with Claire Balding. She's brilliant at these events - somehow manages to fill three hours of airtime without making you want to throw something at the television. The BBC will also have a highlights package available on iPlayer from 7pm, which is perfect if you're like me and need to rewatch the good bits.

The History Bit (Because Context Matters)

This whole tradition goes back to King Charles II in the 17th century. Not our current Charles - the other one. The ceremony got its name because each regiment would literally "troop" their battle colours so soldiers could recognize them during actual battles. Back then, this wasn't just pomp and circumstance; it was practical military training that happened to look impressive.

Now it's pure spectacle, and honestly? I'm here for it.

The Red Arrows will be doing their thing across London's skyline, which alone is worth tuning in for. I've seen them perform twice in person, and there's something about watching those planes move in perfect formation that makes you forget about your mortgage payments and work deadlines for a few minutes.

Why I'm Actually Looking Forward to This

Maybe it's because 2024 was such a mess for everyone, or maybe I'm just getting older and appreciating traditions I used to mock. But there's something comforting about knowing that no matter what chaos is happening in the world, the British will still put on an elaborate birthday parade with hundreds of horses and military precision.

Plus, let's be real - when else do you get to see the entire working royal family in one place, looking their absolute best, while planes do acrobatics overhead?

Mark your calendars. Set your alarms. June 14th is going to be worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do different cultures view royalty?

Different cultures have varied views on royalty, often shaped by history, religion, and societal norms. In some cultures, royalty is revered and seen as divine, while in others, it may be viewed with skepticism or as outdated.

What is the significance of royal titles?

Royal titles signify rank and status within the hierarchy of a royal family. They can also reflect the history and traditions of a nation, with titles such as king, queen, duke, and duchess carrying specific cultural meanings and responsibilities.

What is royalty?

Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.

Statistics

According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
Approximately 43 monarchies currently exist around the world, with varying degrees of power and influence.
Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
The global fascination with royal families is evident, as books, films, and documentaries about them frequently top bestseller lists and viewership ratings.
The royal family of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years.
In Thailand, the monarchy is deeply respected, with laws that prohibit criticism of the royal family, making it one of the strictest in the world regarding royal defamation.
In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
Research indicates that public support for monarchy in the UK remains strong, with around 70% of the population favoring the institution.

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How To

How To Understand the Historical Significance of Royal Families

To understand the historical significance of royal families, begin by studying key events and figures in their histories. Analyze how monarchies have influenced political systems, social structures, and cultural developments over time. Explore various historical periods, such as the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, to see how royal families navigated challenges, formed alliances, and shaped nations. Utilize books, documentaries, and academic articles that delve into royal history for a comprehensive view. Engaging with historical exhibitions or visiting royal palaces can also provide valuable insights into the legacy of these families.