This Saturday Trooping the Colour is set to celebrate King Charles’ birthday.
The 260-year-old tradition is a remarkable display of pageantry to commemorate the new Sovereign.
More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will be united for the display of military precision and fanfare.
The parade will begin at Buckingham Palace before moving down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, with members of the royal family on horseback and in carriages.
The flypast will take place following the Trooping of the Colour.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What are the Red Arrows?
The Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams.
They represent the speed, agility and precision of the RAF.
They assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas and promote the best of British.
The Red Arrows fly distinctive Hawk fast-jets, and the team is comprised of pilots, engineers and vital support staff with frontline experience.
They typically have a trademark Diamond Nine shape, which combines close formations and precision flying.
The Red Arrows have been flying displays since 1965.
When is Trooping the Colour?
For more than 260 years, the Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign.
2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping the Colour as Sovereign.
It will take place on Saturday 17th June, by Regiments of the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with His Majesty The King attending and taking the salute.
His Majesty King Charles III will hold the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiments of Household Division.
Each Regiment has a Colonel who is normally either a member of the Royal Family or a senior officer.
How can I watch the flypast?
Although a set time is still to be confirmed, flight restrictions indicate the display will start at approximately 1pm.
The Red Arrows will be joined by some familiar aircraft including Spitfires and the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial flight, which includes the Hurricanes.
It’s expected that after flying through Essex, the flypast will be seen over London between 12:40pm and 1:15pm before dispersing over Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
It’s thought to be similar to the King’s Coronation, which did not happen due to the weather.
You can watch the flypast by heading down to The Mall or visiting the edges of St Jame’s Park overlooking the Horse Guards.
Highlights will also be shown on BBC One from 6.15pm.
