Protesters to gather at The Mall as royals mark King Charles III's official birthday

Anti-monarchy group Republic has announced it will stage a protest on 13 June, coinciding with the official birthday celebrations of King Charles III, during which the annual Trooping the Colour military ceremony will take place.

What is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is a longstanding military pageant held each year to mark the reigning monarch's official birthday.

This year's event is expected to feature more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians drawn from the Household Division.

Members of the Royal Family are set to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, where they will wave to the thousands of spectators gathered below as the RAF carries out its traditional flypast overhead.

Republic's call to protest

In a statement published on its website, Republic made clear its intention to demonstrate at the event, framing the ceremony as an exercise in the projection of royal privilege.

"Every year, the royals hijack this parade to remain relevant. This balcony moment puts privilege and birth above merit and democracy," the group said.

Republic also referenced what it described as efforts to marginalise its presence at last year's event.

"Last year, attempts were made to keep us out of sight as the royals waved from their balcony. They were clearly rattled by the protest in 2024," the statement read.

The group added: "This year, we won't let that happen. Trooping the Colour is a public event, and we have every right to peacefully protest there."

Protesters are expected to begin gathering at The Mall from 8.30am on the day.