Everything you need to know about the King’s first Trooping the Colour…

On Saturday 17th June 2023, the UK will witness King Charles III’s FIRST Trooping the Colour ceremony as our monarch.

Whether you’re tuning in on the television or travelling to see the spectacle in person, we can all expect to see a stunning display of military precision and horsemanship as the procession makes it way from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.

But what exactly is Trooping the Colour, and why do we celebrate it? Continue reading to find out more…

The origins of the ceremony

Trooping the Colour is an annual ceremony held in June to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign, originating as far back as 260 years ago.

The service was first believed to have been performed during King Charles II’s reign, however it wasn’t until 1760 that it became an annual event to commemorate the British Monarch’s official birthday under the reign of King George III.

This historical parade was named in tribute to the British Army’s regiment flags, which are referred to as ‘Colours’ due to the different coloured insignia displayed on each one. Young officers would then march the Colours between the line of troops, giving us the ‘Trooping the Colour’ title, and the colourful celebration we still see to this day.

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Trooping the Colour Flags on Horse Guards Parade
Credit: The British Army

The British Sovereign’s Official Birthday

But why does the British Sovereign have an official birthday?

The answer to having two birthdays is simply down to British weather being better for the parade in the month of June.

Unless the Monarch already has a summer birthday, their second ‘official’ one will always be in June to line up with when Trooping the Colour takes place and to maximise the chances of good weather conditions.

So, although King Charles III’s actual day of birth is 14th November, he will be celebrating his very first King’s Birthday Parade on 17th June this year.

What to expect on the day

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The Trooping the Colour Parade Making its Way Down The Mall
Credit: People.com

On the day, you can expect to see an impressive display of pageantry as His Majesty’s personal troops march down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where the ceremony will begin.

There will be over 1400 parading soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses, alongside members of the Royal Family on horseback or in carriages – and of course, with King Charles III himself taking the salute.

As the procession takes place, mass crowds with waving flags are expected to line the streets, with many more around the world viewing the spectacle on television.

And with this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony being King Charles III’s FIRST as Sovereign, it will certainly be a historical event to remember.

The Trooping the Colour 2023 Silver Coin Cover

To commemorate this special occasion, we have released the Trooping the Colour 2023 Silver Coin Cover in ode to Charles III’s King’s Birthday Parade.

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Featuring His Majesty’s first Silver Britannia coin alongside his first Royal Mail definitive stamps, this Cover will have a one-day-only postmark of 17th June 2023 – a fitting tribute to the first Trooping the Colour of King Charles’ reign.

But with only 200 available worldwide, make sure to secure yours now by clicking here >>

BREAKING NEWS: Royal Mail reveals the Official Coronation Stamps!

Today, Royal Mail have revealed their brand-new Coronation stamps. Comprised of four stamps, the official Coronation Miniature Sheet pays tribute to four elements of King Charles III’s legacy.

And following the insatiable demand we have already seen this week for The Royal Mint’s Coronation range, collectors are desperate to pair their coin with the official Coronation stamps!

That’s because, on 6th May, we will mark the biggest royal event in decades.

So, why not kick off the celebrations with an exclusive combination of numismatic and philatelic history?

Read on to learn more about the stamps themselves, and how you can secure all four in an exclusive presentation alongside some of the UK 2023 Coronation coins…

The Design

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The Four New Stamps Issued to Celebrate the Coronation

Designed by British artist, Andrew Davidson, Royal Mail’s official Coronation Miniature Sheet symbolises four elements of King Charles’ legacy.

Each stamp has been divided into representations of the Coronation, Diversity and Community, The Commonwealth, and Sustainability and Biodiversity. The designs embody themes of heritage, tradition, cohesion, democracy, peace, and nature – integral values to His Majesty.

These stamps have been thoughtfully set against a design of intermingling foliage, representing the union of the four UK countries: the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock.

UK 2023 Coronation Covers

And today, we have been able to present all four of these official UK Coronation stamps in limited edition covers.

Paired alongside the UK 2023 Coronation 50p, £5, or both, you can secure the Coronation Miniature Sheet beside The Royal Mint’s new coins in either Brilliant Uncirculated or Silver Proof!

Or, you can get your hands on the extremely sought-after UK 2022 Memorial Sovereign – the first to feature His Majesty – in an exclusive cover with these stunning new Coronation stamps.

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Coronation Cover Range Featuring the UK Coronation 50p and £5 Coins

These limited edition covers are the perfect way to capture this poignant moment in history. In fact, they have all been postmarked by Royal Mail on the date of His Majesty’s Coronation – 6th May – which truly preserves this extraordinary historical feat and ensures no more can ever be made…

Extreme Demand for Coronation Coins

When The Royal Mint launched the UK 2023 Coronation coin range on the 24th April, nothing could have prepared collectors for the insatiable demand…

Nearly 70,000 people queued for the launch, and the Coronation coins were being snapped up within minutes.

So considering this could be your last chance to secure a UK 2023 Coronation coin, you don’t want to miss out on these exclusive coin covers.

Click here to explore the range, with prices starting from £39.99 >>

New Official King Charles III Stamps announced!

Royal Mail has just announced the design of the new Official King Charles III Stamp!

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King Charles III Stamp Design

They will be available to purchase from 4th April and excitingly they will circulate alongside the current Queen Elizabeth II stamps.

This is the first time in 70 years that a new monarch has graced our stamps, and will be in huge demand by collectors all over the world.

Interestingly, this is also the same design that is used on King Charles III coins.

If you want to be the first to hear any and all news about this historic new release, you can sign up to our mailing list below.

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