Trooping the Colour 2023 RECAP: Royal family joined King Charles on first Birthday Parade

That's all from us today on Prince Charles' amazing first Trooping the Colour birthday parade.

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A body language language has claimed Prince George and Princess Charlotte's actions gave away just how mature they are - in contrast to 'less aware' and younger Louis.

The pair - aged nine and eight - may still be young, but Adrianne Carter says the way they bowed their heads at today's Trooping the Colour shows they understand the gravity and importance of the event.

This was in contrast to cheeky 5-year-old Prince Louis - who strode out in front with his head held high.

'Walking together we see them as a unit. They’re comfortable together and all confidently stride out,' she told the Daily Star.

'Louis is head high striding out and is probably not as aware of the attention as his older brother and sister are.

'George and Charlotte have their heads dipped a bit more which shows they’re probably more aware of the occasion.'

Royal fans think they have spotted a heartfelt message in the co-ordinated outfits of the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Catherine and Prince Louis.

The group delighted today as the children wowed crowds and Kate glowed in green.

But insightful royalists think their green, red and blue combined outfits might be a nod to the flag of Wales.

Kate honoured her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards with her all-green ensemble, while Catherine wore a white dress with red accents, George looked smart in a navy blue suit with a matching red tie and Louis was cute in red shorts.

Judith Ince said: 'I just adore the attention to detail, the Wales family are wearing green white and red, colours of the Welsh Flag.'

Young George stole the show once again today while excitedly watching the planes in the magnificent 70-aircraft Trooping the Colour flypast.

Heart-warming footage shows the nine-year-old prince eagerly identifying aircraft on the royal balcony as this Saturday marked King Charles' first Birthday Parade.

While the audio isn't clear, some believe that George is identifying a plane, to which the proud Prince of Wales appears to say 'yes it is, good boy!'

The Princess of Wales made a nod to Princess Diana with her outfit, accompanying it with a pair of sapphire drop earrings which once belonged to her late mother-in-law.   

The mother-of-three opted for a bold single colour look, donning green from head-to-toe, representing her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards - a role she took over from her husband at the end of last year.

The Royal Family were out in full force today as they watched the King's inaugural Birthday Parade - and viewed the Trooping the Colour flypast from the Buckingham Palace balcony. 

The number of royals on the balcony, however, was relatively scaled down compared to the King's Coronation in May - and last year's Trooping the Colour. 

There was also a sizeable gap between older members of The Firm - the Duke of Kent, 87, and Duke, 78, and Duchess, 76, of Gloucester - and the new generation of royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony. 

King Charles has thanked everybody who took part to make today's Trooping the Colour so special.

The monarch, 74, released a heartfelt message on social media today after celebrations that included 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses alongside a huge flypast of around 70 aircraft.

He was joined by his family as he celebrated his official birthday, with George, 9, Charlotte, 6, and Louis, 5 delighting crowds as they took part in the event.

The Royal Family's post said: 'Thank you to all who took part today.'

Prince Louis delighted royal fans once again today as he pulled faces at his siblings and grumpily covered his ears while celebrating Trooping the Colour. 

The five-year-old was on fine form as he travelled to Horse Guards Parade in a carriage with Prince George, nine, and Princess Charlotte, eight, on Saturday.

They were accompanied by the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla, but that didn't stop Louis from getting up to his usual antics at the King's Birthday Parade.

This is the emotional moment King Charles saluted his troops at the front of Buckingham Palace.

After an incredible first Trooping the Colour under our new monarch, the King was on horseback as the Guards lined up immaculately in front of him. 

This is the adorable moment Louis punched the air as planes roared overhead.

Behind him, the Princess of Wales can be seen grinning as the feisty five-year-old enjoys the moment.

Prince Louis stole the show as he gave a cheeky salute to the adoring crowds cheering his grandad King Charles's official birthday - as the royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony. 

The King, Kate, William, Charlotte, Louis and George took pride of place in a slimmed-down group of royals as they watched a magnificent 70-aircraft flypast. 

Five-year-old Louis was seen saluting as he waved at crowds to celebrate the Trooping The Colour parade. 

This is the incredible moment Typhoon fighter jets created CR in the sky above Buckingham Palace.

The King's royal cypher, the 18 planes stayed in tight formation as they were expertly piloted along the Mall.

This morning, Air Vice Marshall Mark Flewin - who was responsible for today's flypast - revealed the 70-aircraft display would include a 'special signature formation' as a surprise for the King.

Speaking on the BBC, he said: 'Unlike the Coronation, we have fantastic weather to deliver a full flypast today.

'We've also got a very special signature formation that we've been keeping under wraps as a suprise for His Majesty the King and we look forward to revealing that today.'

The three children have been on top behaviour throughout the day, as they attended Trooping the Colour in co-ordinated outfits.

All three wore elements of scarlet - matching the Guards' uniforms as they worked alongside them.

George, nine, had a red tie as part of a smart navy suit, while eight-year-old Charlotte's white dress included scarlet highlights and an elegant bow in the same colour.

Little Louis, five - wearing a shirt, tie and blazer combination that matched his big brother - also opted for adorable red shorts.

Viewers delighted as the Wales children once again stole the show from the balcony at King Charles' Trooping the Colour birthday celebrations.

Whether it was heart-melting cuteness from Prince Louis as he salted to the crowd or George and Charlotte smiling and waving, William and Kate's children once again did them proud!

Cheeky Prince Louis delighted massed crowds as he saluted them from the balcony - while standing alonsgide his smiling parents, brother and sister.

A heroic Lancaster Bomber, a Spitfire and two Hurricane Second World War planes boom as they pass over Buckingham Palace.

They are followed by a series of aeroplanes, all gliding in perfect formation across the massed crowds in The Mall.

They fill the air above the capital with a roaring timbre.

In an emotional gesture, 18 typhoon fighter jets passed over the palace in a perfect cypher - creating the monarch's initials 'CR' in the sky above him.

The Red Arrows brought the stunning series to a close, painting red white and blue across the cloudless skies.

The King and Royal Family have appeared on the balcony as they celebrate Trooping the Colour.

The Wales family have joined the King and Queen, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

They came out just before the first three helicopters have passed over the palace, marking the start of the fly past.

At 1pm there will be an extended RAF flypast likely featuring Spitfires and the Red Arrows, which the Royal Family will watch from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The exact route of the Royal Air Force flypast is yet to be disclosed, but it is suspected that it will follow the route originally planned for the King's Coronation, which was scaled back due to the weather.

If you are in London and hear a booming noise, don't worry! Last week's thunder has not returned. 

The Royal Horse Artillery have started their special 41-gun salute in Green Park, which is expected to take six minutes.

Some 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses are taking part, led in the parade by Juno, a 10-year-old shire mare, alongside three other Drum Horses - Perseus, Atlas and Apollo.

Drum Horses are the most senior animals in the army and hold the rank of major.

They are traditionally named after figures from Greek mythology.

The reviews are in and the country is clear - today has shown us why we are proud to be British!

One commentor said that the parade made him 'tingle with pride' - while another said it was 'class as always'.

Some members of the Royal Family are already on the balcony, as King salutes at Buckingham Palace gates.

'It is going to be an indication of the way that the King very much looks now at the - we hear this phrase "slimmed down royal family" a lot,' the Daily Mail's Robert Hardman tells the BBC.

'It is a smaller working unit than it used to be but it still has all the same duties and today is a day to reflect and really highlight those who are in the front line.'

The Daily Mail's Robert Hardman, speaking on the BBC, said:'What a day! We've been through this series of firsts for the new King and this is really right up there.

'I think today what we've seen is this very powerful reminder of something he has been conscious of all his life - it was 1951 when he very first saw this parade.

'He has seen what we are seeing today more often than anybody here and yet for him it's a very big moment to be out leading in front.

'Here is the king at the age of 74 and riding - it's remarkable!'

The formal part of the Trooping the Colour celebration has come to a close as the Royals begin to return to the palace.

The carriages move off the parade ground as they are followed by the incredible syncronised movement of the guards.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was elegant in a simple white ensemble as she attended the King's inaugural Birthday Parade today.

Sophie Wessex, 58, looked a vision as she travelled in a carriage alongside Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne's husband, as the Duke of Edinburgh rode in on horseback.

Prince Edward was participating in Trooping the Colour in his role as Colonel of the 1st Battalion London Guards, which was formed last year. 

This weekend's Trooping the Colour is the first birthday parade of King Charles III's reign - and for many younger royal fans, it will also be the first time they have seen the Sovereign arrive on horseback.

He expertly controlled his steed as he rode along The Mall to the parade.

While Britain gets ready to celebrate the King's birthday, for many this has also been a poignant reminder of our late Queen.

Last year, the celebrations were extra-special for many as they coincided with her Platinum Jubilee.

This is the first Trooping the Colour without the late Queen since George VI's last parade in 1950.

The event today features around 1,500 soldiers in total and hundreds of Guardsmen lined up on the parade ground to be inspected by King.

For the first time since 1989, all five regiments of Foot Guards - the Welsh, Scots, Irish, Coldstream and Grenadier - are on parade together for Trooping.

The colour, or regimental flag, that is trooped in front of hundreds of Guardsmen and officers will be the King's Colour of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

Queen Camilla donned a bold red outfit as she attended Trooping the Colour in London today. 

The Queen Consort, 75, travelled to Horse Guards Parade in a carriage alongside Kate, Princess of Wales and her children, Prince Louis, five, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince George, nine. 

The Queen Consort, 75, travelled to Horse Guards Parade in a carriage alongside Kate, Princess of Wales and her children, Prince Louis, five, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince George, nine. 

The King began the ceremony by inspecting the lines of guardsmen on the parade ground, casting a critical eye over the soldiers, formed in two lines, as he rode past.

William, Anne, and Edward rode behind Charles while Camilla and Kate were in a carriage - a symbolic image of the royal family supporting their King as another milestone was reached.

Camilla and Kate have since taken their seats on a dais with the Duke of Kent, Colonel, Scots Guards, to watch the march past of the troops - a first for the royal women - while the King and the other royal colonels remained on horseback alongside.

The Princess of Wales put on an elegant display in green as she attended the Trooping the Colour celebrations today. 

Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, also joined Kate on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside King Charles, 74 and Queen Camilla, Prince William and other working royals.

The royal children were in high spirits today as they arrived in a carriage for their grandfather's very first Birthday Parade.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis travelled to Horse Guards Parade with their mother the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla for the Trooping the Colour.

They waved enthusiastically at thousands of spectators who gathered outside Buckingham Palace and on The Mall, while the King and the Prince of Wales travelled on horseback. 

The King saluted smartly as he saluted the gathered parade in Horse Guards Parade.

Gathered soldiers - including the Household Cavalry, bearing the new King's cipher and crown - stood to attention in front of gathered crowds.

The Princess of Wales looked elegant in green as she beamed at the massed crowds.

Kate, who sat with her children and Queen Camilla, waved from the carriage as they passed towards Horse Guards Parade.

Cheeky Prince Louis was looking smart as he rode out of Buckingham Palece.

His father - parading in front of him - followed the King.

Louis sat alongside his brother and sister in a carriage with the Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla.

The trio smiled as they waved to the crowds.

The King saluted as he rode out of Buckingham Palace on horseback, followed by the most senior members of the royal family.

The first monarch to ride in the parade in 30 years, he rode calmly out into view of the crowds.

He was followed by a group including the Princess Royal and Prince William.

In the carriage behind them are Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was amongst the first group of royals to set off in the parade, alongside Timothy Lawrence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

In an elegant cream ensemble, Sophie shone from the open top carriage.

Soldiers have lined up on Horse Guards Parade as the first Trooping the Colour of the King's reign kicks off today.

The regiments, in red ceremonial dress, were led in by a marching band.

Charles will take the royal salute as Colonel in Chief of the Household Division's seven regiments as his family and thousands of spectators watch on.

The King waved to crowds from his royal car as he arrives at Buckingham Palace.

Charles will be the first monarch in 30 years to ride in the ceremony, as he joins his soldiers on horseback.

The Duchess of Sussex was pictured looking pensive on Friday, the day after ending her $20 million deal with Spotify.

Meghan Markle, 41, was spotted near her Montecito home, apparently in an intense conversation. She then removed her earbuds, but continued checking her phone as she walked along.

The decision not to embark on a second series of the 13-episode podcast Archetypes - which was number one on Spotify's rankings when it debuted - was seen by some as an admission of failure.

A member of staff won't stop until it's absolutely perfect as he gives a final polish to the Queen Victoria Memorial while the parade sets off.

Wearing a white shirt - the hard-working man sacrifices his own high vis vest to give the famous statue a final wipe.

Members of the Welsh Guards have set off to Horse Guards Parade in a stunning display of pomp and fanfare.

Dressed in red and wearing bearskin hats, the force have set off and march together in electric rhythm.

This is the stunning moment The Royal Troop marches towards Horse Guards Parade for the start of the coronation.

The Artillery Battery marched past the Queen Victoria Memorial, with teams of horses pulling gleaming cannons.

Crowds watched on waving flags as the force clattered past.

Among royal superfans gathering at the mall is John Loughrey - one of Britain's most famous royalists.

The south Londoner has returned to the spot where just last month he camped out for a week ahead of King Charles' coronation, calling it a 'once in a lifetime experience.'

Mr Loughrey earned a reputation as Princess Diana's number one fan after quitting his job working in a kitchen so he could attend every court session of the inquest into her death in 2008.

King Charles's actual birthday is on November 14 but British sovereigns celebrate twice - once in private and again in public.

The June parade tradition began in 1748 under King George II, who wanted a celebration in better summer weather, as his own birthday was on October 30.

The Queen celebrated her actual birthday on April 21 with her close family, with her official celebration coming on the second Saturday of June.

Preparations for the big day were spotted this morning as workers removed traffic lights and decorated Buckingham Palace ahead of the parade.

Workers using huge lorries dismantled the traffic measures - ensuring the marching Grenadier Guards wouldn't have to wait for the green light to continue the magnificent display.

Others were spotted decking Buckingham Palace's iconic balcony with red cloth fringed with gold, as workers got the venue royal-ready.

Police waited vigilantly as they kept an eye on procedings on the red road, diligently patrolling the route.

Royal superfans are already crowding the Mall - holding flags and wearing patriotic Union Jack clothes as they get ready to party ahead of the parade.

The red, white and blue celebrations have set the tone for a colourful day of pagentry as the nation gets ready to enjoy the monarch's birthday celebraions.

Air Vice Marshall Mark Flewin - who is responsible for today's flypast - has revealed the 70-aircraft display will include a 'special signature formation' as a surprise for the King.

Aircraft are currently getting airbourne at 15 locations across the UK, and they will gather in north-east London before spectacularly swooping over the Mall at 1pm.

Speaking on the BBC, he said: 'Unlike the Coronation, we have fantastic weather to deliver a full flypast today.

'The flypast will consist of an array of helicopter assets, assets from 22, our training group, assets from the Air Mobility Force, the ISTAR force and the combat air force, and of course the iconic assets from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, and the Red Arrows.

'We've also got a very special signature formation that we've been keeping under wraps as a suprise for His Majesty the King and we look forward to revealing that today.'

Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour and author Ian McEwan yesterday lead the first Birthday Honours of King Charles's reign.

The fashion editor and the prize-winning novelist have been given the highest awards in an honours list that celebrates the arts, volunteering and service to the community.

Author Martin Amis, who died from cancer last month aged 73, was awarded a knighthood. Former hostage and author Terry Waite, film director Stephen Frears and Nigerian-born poet and novelist Ben Okri were also given knighthoods.

This week in royal history marks one of the most momentous battles in Britain- and as Charles prepares for his Birthday Parade we looked back on very different time for a separate royal who shared his name.

On June 14, 1645, King Charles I's forces were defeated at the Battle of Naseby by troops led by Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax. 

It was a victory which marked the beginning of the end of Charles's reign, although the King was not executed until January 1649.

Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 260 years.

But today will be the first time in seven decades in which the late Queen Elizabeth II does not take pride of place as sovereign. 

Instead, it is her son, King Charles, who will review the Guards as they parade. He will be on horseback, as is traditional, but no one doubts it is the start of a new era.

The Princess Royal hosted members of the Royal Family ahead of today's Trooping the Colour. 

Princess Anne, 72, who recently received the title of Senior Colonel, hosted a dinner for Household Division Colonels yesterday, on the eve of the King's official birthday parade in London. 

Guests included several members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, who was made Colonel of the Grenadier Guards last December, and the Prince of Wales, who took the role of Colonel of the Welsh Guards over from his father after King Charles's accession to the throne. 

The Princess of Wales yesterday hailed the 'amazing' efforts of health visitors - after her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood found that more than half of the UK understand little or nothing about the part they play.

In a slick new video released as part of her Shaping Us campaign, Kate, 41, spotlighted the vital role of the medical professionals.

Throughout the four-minute clip, viewers watch as the mother-of-three shadows health visitors - to 'gain a deeper insight into their essential' job - during engagements over the past few months.

The ceremony, which will take place on Horse Guards Parade, will feature over 1,400 officers and 200 horses. 

So, what exactly is Trooping the Colour and how long does the royal parade actually last? 

Here is everything you need to know about Trooping the Colour, explained.  

Queen Camilla has named a horse which is set to lead the mounted cavalry at the King's Birthday Parade on Saturday.

At a small ceremony in the gardens of Clarence House, Camilla, dressed in an elegant white and green frock, presented a head collar with the name Juno to the horse, before feeding her a carrot.

A portrait of the 10-year-old shire mare by artist Mandy Shepherd was also unveiled at the occasion yesterday, commissioned by the royal household to mark Juno's role.

The event, marking the monarch's official birthday, will include all seven regiments of the Household Division for the first time this century.

With them, there will be an extended RAF flypast likely featuring Spitfires and the Red Arrows, which the Royal Family will watch from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Find out all you need to know about the spectacle, including the route, below. 

The streets of London are set to be packed with supporters, so if you're wanting to get a good look at the royals, here is a guide on when to get there and where to stand. 

For those who haven't managed to get tickets for Trooping the Colour, you will be able to watch from the sidelines. 

As the days' events commence at 10am, members of the public wishing to watch are advised to stand on The Mall or at the edge of St James' Park, overlooking Horse guards.

The King was accompanied by his sister, Princess Anne, on a rare joint engagement at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

The siblings were together as he presented the new Sovereign's Standard to The Blues and Royals squadron (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) of the Household Cavalry, of which Anne is Colonel.

Charles spoke of his 'great pride' in the bond between the Blues and Royals and the monarch, as the country continues to face 'an array of threats' and 'difficult times'.

While the Princess's approach has undoubtedly evolved, the key to Kate's millinery style is consistently choosing creations which perfectly complement her outfit and are an extension of her look, carefully co-ordinated in bespoke matching shades. 

This weekend's Trooping the Colour will be the first birthday parade of King Charles III's reign - but for many younger royal fans, it will also be the first time they have seen the Sovereign arrive on horseback.

The late Queen rode her trusted mare, Burmese, at the ceremony for the final time in 1986 before the animal was moved to Windsor for retirement.