Thousands of spectators gathered in central London for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, celebrating the official birthday of King Charles III.

The event, one of the most significant occasions in the royal calendar, featured more than 1,400 members of the armed forces, 200 horses and 400 musicians.This year's parade honoured the Grenadier Guards, whose regimental colours were carried through the ranks during the ceremony.King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelled in an open-top carriage along The Mall before attending the military parade at Horse Guards Parade.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also took part, with Prince William riding on horseback while Catherine travelled in a carriage with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.The ceremony concluded with the traditional appearance of members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a Red Arrows flypast.

The balcony appearance highlighted royal continuity, with King Charles standing alongside Prince William and Prince George, the next two heirs in the line of succession.

The Red Arrows performed a special nine-aircraft display despite plans to reduce most future formations to seven aircraft in order to preserve the ageing fleet.

The event also carried a note of remembrance for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who died after a fall from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.Members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery paid tribute to her during recent preparations.

While many royal supporters attended the celebrations, anti-monarchy campaign group Republic staged protests along The Mall and near Buckingham Palace.Trooping the Colour remains one of the most important public displays of military tradition and royal unity in the United Kingdom.