As London prepares for Trooping the Colour this Saturday, June 14, royal observers will notice a significant change in this year’s birthday celebration for King Charles.

For the second consecutive year, His Majesty will not be riding on horseback—a long-standing tradition that dates back more than a century.

No Horseback Salute This Year

Last year, during his first birthday parade as monarch, King Charles upheld royal custom by taking the salute on horseback—marking the first time a sovereign had done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

However, this year’s event will look a little different.

Due to ongoing health precautions related to his cancer treatment, the King will instead travel by carriage—just as he did last year. This decision, according to reports, was made in consideration of comfort and safety.

The King will reportedly ride alongside Queen Camilla in the royal carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where the ceremonial salute will take place.

A Farewell to the Saddle?

According to The Times, this change may not be temporary. The publication suggests that King Charles is unlikely to ever return to horseback for this ceremony, signaling the quiet end of a royal tradition he once cherished.

Despite his earlier years as a skilled polo player and amateur jockey, Charles has reportedly stepped back from riding altogether—even for leisure.