Historic images of King Charles shared as senior royals prepare for grand annual celebration
Just hours before the 2025 Trooping the Colour, Buckingham Palace released a series of rare and historic photographs showcasing King Charles’ lifelong connection to the iconic royal event.
Posted on the royal family's official Instagram, the images trace Charles’ appearances at the monarch’s official birthday celebration—from his childhood through to his reign as King.
“This year marks the third Trooping the Colour of His Majesty’s reign,” a Palace spokesperson noted, as preparations for today’s festivities unfold.
The earliest photo dates back to 1951, showing a young Prince Charles, aged 3, riding in a carriage alongside his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and aunt, Princess Margaret. Another picture captures him waving to his mother, Princess Elizabeth, from a chair at Buckingham Palace as she returns from the Trooping ceremony in her role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
A separate 1951 image highlights the future Queen Elizabeth II saluting in full military uniform as she rides back from the parade at Horse Guards Parade.
In a 1975 photo, the then-Prince of Wales is seen riding in the parade for the first time as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. The final image shows King Charles taking part in last year’s ceremony—his first Trooping the Colour as Sovereign.
The release of these photos comes as King Charles prepares to reunite with senior members of the royal family on the Palace balcony for today’s celebration.
