Trooping the Colour in photos: tough and funny moments in King Charles' birthday parade

On Saturday 17th June, the world tuned in to watch 74-year-old King Charles' first Trooping the Colour as monarch. The annual parade marks the sovereign's official birthday (despite the King's being on 14th November).

The first of the King's 2023 birthdays was aa public event that has been held annually since 1748. More than 1400 soldiers and 200 horses take part in the event, according to the royal website.

But the event is not just about the ceremony, it is also about seeing the British Royal family together. The Royals were out to support the monarch, his siblings and his son as they rode in this traditional, historic event.

The heat, the uncanny likeness between Charles and his late father, the Royal Air Force surprises and the cheeky younger members of the royal family have given us some fabulous photos of the event. We look at the highlights and best snaps from King Charles' birthday parade.

King Charles III, accompanied by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, presented the new Sovereign's Standard to The Blues and Royals.

Trooping the Colour starts with a Royal salute and inspection of the troops at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

Many on social media were shocked and stunned at the incredible likeness between King Charles and his father, the late Prince Philip. The two presented an uncanny similarity, with many questioning if the BBC replayed a video from Prince Philip himself.

Once the soldiers have marched past the sovereign, they ride back to Buckingham Palace before taking a salute again there. The ride was filled with its own dramas.

Before the event began, a wonderful effort was made in the preparation of the event - down to the last detail. A member of staff gave a last minute polish to a statue at the Queen Victoria Memorial to ensure it shone in the glorious sunshine.

Metropolitan Police officers attempted to herd a family of Egyptian geese off Spur Road, outside Buckingham Palace, before the start of The Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade.

But the sunshine, albeit glorious, was also a difficult barrier for many - especially those in hot, heavy uniforms. This trombone player struggled in the heat and fainted in the preparatory rehearsals.

The musicians were not the only ones to suffer. A member of the Grenadier Guards also fainted during the Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 10, 2023 ahead of The King's Birthday Parade.

Well-wishers and the public looked on as the parade passed down the mall. Some had arrived hours before to get the best views of the King and his troops.

Members of the Household Cavalry looked spotless on their impressive horses as they rehearsed for the big event. It is a spectacular parade of the country's best soldiers and horses.

Prince William, Prince of Wales (in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards) returned to Buckingham Palace, on horseback, after carrying out The Colonel's Review at Horse Guards Parade on June 10. This was the Prince of Wales' first appearance as Colonel of the Regiment.

At the parade itself, he joined his father in the trip back to Buckingham Palace. They worse traditional uniforms of the Welsh Guards as well as the recognisable black bearskin hats.

The Royals followed in carriages behind, with the three children of the Prince and Princess of Wales joining their mother and grandmother on the journey.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was honouring the Irish Guards. Her green coat dress and matching hat were deigned by Andrew Gn and Philip Tracy. She became colonel of the Irish guard in March.

However, riding down the mall, perhaps seemed a sad occasion for the future King's wife. Maybe it was the heat or the emptiness of the event without the previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II?

The King's wife, Queen Camilla wore a red silk coat dress by Fiona Claire. The design was homage to the Grenadier Guard's uniform - she became colonel of the Grenadier Guards in January.

We love this shot of Princess Anne, the King's sister. So naturally happy and joyous on this family occasion. Her husband, Timothy Lawrence, rode in a carriage with the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Duchess looked summery and elegant in her cream dress by Beulah and Jane Taylor hat.

Of course, the part many were waiting for was the appearance of the British Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It certainly was a difference from previous balcony appearances - with a 'slimmed-down' monarchy on show.

Of course, once again to steal the show, we could rely on 5 year old Prince Louis who seemed to be having the time of his life watching the cheering crowds.

Many remember Prince William and Harry on the balcony as young boys - most recognisably, the 1988 appearance when Harry poked his tongue out to the public. Louis refrained from tongue sticking and opted for an elegant salute instead. Very cute.

The Royal Air Force flypast is also an awaited moment during official royal events. The Red, white and blue colours of the Union Jack looked stunning over Buckingham Palace.

The King and Queen waved to the thousands gathered below. The 'matching' hues of red didn't quite match, however...

Spectacularly, jets from the Royal Air Force spelled out CR as they flew overhead. This stands for Charles Rex (Rex being latin for King).

Despite squinting into the sunshine, we love this photo of the Prince of Wales and his family on the balcony. This tender moment between father and daughter was captured for eternity.

The noise does often get too much for little Louis and it's not unusual to see the little Prince with his hands over his ears as the roar of jets deafens the air.

Of course, when it's time to go, it's time to go and Prince William ushered his children back into the confines of the palace at the end of the balcony appearance. Louis, we salute you, too.