King expected to attend Trooping the Colour by carriage, not horseback

The King is expected to travel by carriage during next month’s Trooping the Colour rather than on horseback.

The monarch is determined to take part in his official birthday celebrations on June 15 but concessions will be made as he continues his cancer treatment.

For several weeks, Buckingham Palace and the Ministry of Defence have been exploring ways in which he can take part while avoiding any undue risk to his health.

The favoured options included watching the pomp and the pageantry from a podium, rather than on horseback, and being driven from Buckingham Palace in a carriage.

Buckingham Palace sources indicated that it was unlikely he would opt to ride in the procession to Horse Guards Parade.

One said that it was “most likely” he would take part via carriage, although insisted that a final decision was yet to be made.

The King is also expected to join other senior members of the Royal family on the palace balcony for the traditional RAF flypast.

Tradition dating back to 1904

Last year, the King took the salute as sovereign for the first time riding Noble, a seven-year-old black mare presented as a gift by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the Mounties, following a tradition that dates back to 1904.

His Majesty prepared for the occasion by paying regular visits to his new mare at Windsor.

Despite Noble’s occasional skittish behaviour, he rode the horse with remarkable control.

It was the first time the monarch had appeared on horseback at the event since Elizabeth II last rode in 1986.

The late Queen rode the same horse, Burmese – also a gift from the Mounties – for 18 consecutive years.

Trooping is one of the highlights of the royal calendar, with most members of the Royal family turning out in their finery for the colourful pageant.

The nature of the King’s involvement will depend on his health and medical advice.