Royal fans will be sighing with relief as it was revealed King Charles' progress in the fight against cancer means he will return to “public facing duties”, seemingly confirming this year’s Trooping the Colour.
Yearly, London's streets swell with crowds of Royal followers waving flags, eagerly awaiting the sight of 1,400 marching soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians during the popular event. Initially, doubts swirled around this year's occasion, scheduled for June 15, following the sudden announcement of the King's ill health in February.
However, on Friday, April 26, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that his medical team are “encouraged” by his progress. As a result he is returning to duties, although they may be adapted.
A palace spokesperson said: "His Majesty's medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King's continued recovery. His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties."
"His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis."
They added forthcoming events will be adapted "to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
For over 260 years, Trooping the Colour has marked the monarch's official birthday with pomp and pageantry. Crowds in their tens of thousands gather to watch the procession as it travels from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, joined by members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
The event culminates in an awe-inspiring RAF fly-past, observed from Buckingham Palace's balcony.
Concerns had been raised that this beloved spectacle might be called off for the first time since 1955 due to a National Rail strike. Previously, it was cancelled in 1926, during the Second World War from 1940 to 1946, and in 1948 because of bad weather.
Annually, over a quarter of a million hopefuls enter the ballot for the chance to snag one of the 8,000 seats available around the parade square.
The British Army has expressed its pride in the event, saying: "Everyone who takes part glows when they recall their first Trooping the Colour. It brings back memories of personal pride and satisfaction, it's a genuine career highlight."
They also acknowledged the immense challenge it presents, stating: "Yet delivering The King's Birthday Parade is considered one of the most challenging things a soldier can do in their career, and many experienced soldiers say frontline combat operations are easier than performing on what is essentially a global stage where every minor flaw is all too visible and there's nowhere to hide.
"But nothing can beat the feeling of marching immaculately in front of the Monarch, the Colonel in Chief; families and friends in the stands; and the world watching on TV."
In a first in over 30 years by any monarch, last year saw King Charles partake in Trooping the Colour while on horseback. He duly received the Royal salute as the Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments that makeup the Household Division.
This took place during the ceremony held at Horse Guards Parade and was witnessed by members of the Royal family and a crowd of 8000. Yet, it was little Prince Louis who became the star of the show, charming everyone with his salute to the crowd during the RAF flypast on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
