King Charles III is marking his official birthday with the annual Trooping the Color ceremony, a vibrant display of military tradition featuring a formal parade, music, a gun salute, and an aerial show by the Royal Air Force.

Thousands of spectators have begun gathering in central London to witness the grand spectacle as the parade proceeds along the mall, passing near Buckingham Palace.

The event is expected to draw large crowds eager to take part in the historic royal tradition.

In a poignant gesture this year, His Majesty has asked members of the Royal Family participating in the procession to wear black armbands.

Buckingham Palace confirmed this is to honor the victims of the recent Air India plane crash.

Following his inspection of the troops, the King has requested a moment of silence to remember those who perished, the grieving families, and all affected communities.

A Palace spokesperson emphasized the King's deep sorrow over the tragedy and his desire to pay tribute respectfully.

Shortly after the crash was reported, King Charles issued a statement expressing his sympathy, describing himself as “desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad.” Of the 242 people on board the aircraft, only one survived.

In a further show of mourning, flags at royal residences have been lowered to half-mast.

Coach drivers and riders in the parade, along with senior royals in military uniform such as the King and the Prince of Wales, are also expected to wear black armbands.

Those attending but not in uniform likely won’t be wearing them.

The ceremonial proceedings begin at 10:45 BST at Horse Guards Parade, with the route taking the procession down the mall and circling back near Buckingham Palace, offering the public a front-row seat to the spectacle.

Visitors heading into central London today will have a chance to witness the full grandeur of the Trooping the Color ceremony.

Prime viewing spots include along the mall or by the edge of St James’s Park, which offers a clear view of Horse Guards Parade.

The main parade is scheduled to wrap up at approximately 12:25 BST. However, the day’s festivities won’t end there the highly anticipated Royal Air Force fly-past over central London is set for 13:00 BST.

For royal watchers, the fly-past presents one of the best opportunities to glimpse the Royal Family, who are traditionally seen gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the occasion.

This year’s ceremony carries a different tone compared to last year’s emotionally charged event, which marked Catherine, the Princess of Wales’s first public appearance following her cancer diagnosis.

That moment was filled with uncertainty and intense public interest.

Now in remission, Catherine is expected to appear again, but the spotlight on her health is likely to be far less intense than it was in 2024.

King Charles III, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, will once again ride in a carriage rather than on horseback.

Despite his condition, he has resumed a full schedule of royal duties and recently returned from a well-received visit to Canada a trip seen as an important show of solidarity with a nation under growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Although the King’s actual birthday falls on 14 November, the tradition of celebrating the monarch’s birthday in June with Trooping the Color has been in place for over 260 years.

Leading this year’s ceremony is the Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, who will be parading their flag referred to as their “color” before the King. Over 1,350 soldiers from the Household Division of the British Army are expected to participate in the day’s procession.

Spectators can look forward to stirring military music, glimpses of the Royal Family, and a dramatic RAF fly-past soaring above central London near Buckingham Palace.