A familiar royal spectacle will unfold this weekend — but with one notable change that reflects the evolving role of the reigning monarch.
King Charles III will not ride on horseback during this year’s Trooping the Colour and will be reviewing the military parade in another way. The decision reflects an adjustment to the monarch’s role as he continues cancer treatment.
According to The Times, the 76-year-old King will travel in a carriage with Queen Camilla, 77, from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade on Saturday, June 14.
He will inspect the troops from his chosen vehicle, a departure from the sovereign’s traditional mounted role. Palace aides say he is not expected to return to horseback for future ceremonies.
The change marks the second consecutive year that Charles has opted for the carriage. In 2023, he briefly revived the horseback tradition last seen under the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. That appearance — his first as sovereign at Trooping the Colour — signaled a strong start to his reign.
Since then, health challenges have prompted adjustments. Charles was treated for an enlarged prostate in January 2024 and was later diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. He now receives weekly treatment while maintaining a full schedule. Riding in a carriage provides a safer and more manageable way to participate in official duties.
A former amateur jockey and accomplished polo player, the King has long been known for his equestrian skills. But unlike his three siblings, he no longer rides for pleasure.
The Times noted that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, though retired from public life, continues to ride in Windsor. Elizabeth II, who gave up horseback appearances in parades at age 60, was last seen riding at 96, just two months before her death.
The King’s decision echoes his mother’s. From 1987 onward, the late Queen appeared in Trooping the Colour by coach, continuing the tradition in a modified form through her final public appearance in 2022.
Although the King will no longer ride on horseback, his continued participation signals his commitment to public service. Outside of his ceremonial duties, a private gesture by the King recently drew wider public attention.
Charles sent a personal note to former US President Joe Biden following the American leader’s recent cancer diagnosis. While the letter was meant as a show of compassion between two prominent global figures who are both currently facing serious health challenges, the act quickly ignited public scrutiny as many questioned the King’s priorities.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles privately wrote to Biden after learning about his diagnosis. The note’s contents were not disclosed, but the decision to send it has drawn strong reactions.
Biden, 82, was recently diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Despite the seriousness of the condition, doctors believe it is hormone-sensitive and manageable, with treatment options still being reviewed by the former president and his family.
On X, Biden acknowledged the outpouring of support. “Cancer touches us all,” he wrote alongside a picture with his wife, Jill Biden, and their cat, Willow.
Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
The two leaders have a history of interaction, including meetings when Biden served as vice president and Charles held the title of Prince of Wales.
In February 2024, Biden expressed his concern after Charles’s cancer diagnosis and hoped to speak with him soon. While the King was initially hospitalized for an enlarged prostate, palace sources later clarified that his condition was unrelated to the prostate.
The pair’s relationship symbolizes a broader transatlantic diplomatic rapport, with Biden also being the final US president Elizabeth II met before her passing, and the first to engage officially with Charles after his accession.
Meanwhile, several other prominent figures offered words of encouragement to Biden. Former President Barack Obama shared his support, remarking that he and Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family.” He added that he was “certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” and concluded by saying they were praying for a fast and full recovery.
Current President Donald Trump also released a statement on Truth Social, conveying that he and his wife, Melania Trump, were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis” and wishing him “a fast and successful recovery.”
Yet, some reactions were not so positive. Across social media, the King’s note was met with skepticism and disapproval from members of the public, particularly netizens in the UK, who seemingly feel that domestic issues, including public health crises, have been ignored.
One person commented, “Why do you not reach out to your own people 🤔.” Another echoed the sentiment, “Needs to look at what’s happening to his country.” A third post questioned the King’s broader commitment, “Hey there Charles….where’s your empathy/sympathy /support for everyone in the UK suffering from many cancers?”
The frustration continued, with one individual expressing, “He sends one to joe biden but ignores the hundreds of thousands in the uk dealing with the same problems! I’m shocked 🥴. [sic]”
Another added sarcastically, “Wow, we really needed to know this. We’ll all rest easy now.” A more critical voice declared, “Oh does he. SO WHAT. NOT NEWS JUST ANOTHER PROMOTION FOR THR FREE LOADING WINDSOR TRIBE. [sic]”
Despite the backlash, some were moved by the mutual exchange of support between leaders. A compassionate post read, “Quick recovery to him, may God have mercy on him.”
Another person remarked on the sensitivity of the diagnosis, “In school of medicine patient information is confidential how comes its in citizen tv news anyway Quik recovery sir. [sic]”
One viewer reflected on the shared humanity of the moment, “All I have to do is thank God , because these two men are the greatest we have in the world,and they are consoling each other because of this monster called cancer, who am I that God has spared from it??🤔 [sic]”
While both public figures continue their respective battles with cancer, some people have now been wondering about the condition of the current US leader.
As previously reported, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke to reporters recently and provided an update on Trump’s health after Biden’s diagnosis was revealed.
During a press briefing, Leavitt answered a few questions about the communication between Trump and Biden.
Then, reporters questioned the White House medical team and whether the current president had concerns about the quality of care following reports that doctors may have missed the early stages of Biden’s condition.
Leavitt stated, “Not as far as President Trump is concerned. The White House physician we have here is phenomenal. The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great. The president had his physical recently, as you know, he had perfect results. He’s in very good shape.”
Leavitt added that Trump’s stamina had been on full display during recent official travel. “I think those of you who traveled to the Middle East with us last week could attest to the president’s endurance.”
“And by the way, I will add, we returned home from a very long and tiring trip last week, and on Saturday, where was the president? In the Oval Office, working all day. He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t quit. He’s in great health and he trusts his physicians,” she expressed.
Another reporter asked if President Trump had undergone prostate cancer screening as part of his physical exam. In response, Leavitt said, “To the best of my understanding, he is. But we can certainly check in with the White House physician and go back and look at that physical report.”
As questions about presidential health remain in focus, more information has emerged about President Donald Trump’s condition and the physical he underwent earlier this year.
On April 11, Trump visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his first annual physical since returning to office.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “Overall, I felt I was in very good shape. Good heart. A good soul. Very good soul. I took—I wanted to be a little different than Biden. I took a cognitive test. I don’t know what to tell you other than I got every answer right.”
According to a memorandum issued by the White House physician, Captain Sean P. Barbabella, the President’s evaluation included routine diagnostics, lab tests, and reviews from multiple specialists.
It covered all major systems and confirmed that Trump’s physical and cognitive health remains strong. His cognitive screening showed full function, and his body systems — including heart, lungs, neurological function, and metabolic indicators — were reported to be within normal and healthy ranges.
No signs of concern were noted during the prostate screening. His medical history, which includes well-managed cholesterol, past COVID-19 infection, and routine skin conditions, remained stable.
Trump, who at 78 is the oldest U.S. President to take office, shared on Truth Social shortly before the exam that he had “never felt better,” though he added, “These things must be done!” as reported by Time.
The White House later confirmed that he had received a clean bill of health and that all necessary vaccinations were up to date. His lifestyle, which includes frequent travel, work commitments, and physical activity such as golf, was cited as a contributing factor to his good condition.
As the world observes the health journeys of both the former and current US presidents, with the White House emphasizing transparency in their medical care, the UK monarch’s own battle with cancer reinforces a global truth: health challenges are universal.
