SOGGY royal fans are already lining the Pall Mall to watch this year’s Trooping the Colour celebration for the King’s birthday.
Many braved the early morning rain to queue for a good view – bedecked in Union Jack flags and crowns.
Royal fans shelter from the rain on the Mall in Westminster ahead of the Trooping of the Colour[/caption]
Well-wishers gather along The Mall with life-sized cardboard cutouts of their favourite royals ahead of the celebration[/caption]
Royal fans line the Mall in Westminster despite the early morning rain[/caption]
Many have dressed up crowns and Union Jack apparel[/caption]
It’s a drizzly beginning to the day as police and Union flags line the Mall in Westminster[/caption]
Fans came prepared with umbrellas and rain coats after the Met Office issued storm warnings, as the UK is lashed by floods, thunder and lightning.
There will be an incredible ceremony at the Horse Guard Parade and an airshow by the Red Arrows.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will soon arrive and wave to the crowds from a carriage.
Following them will be the horse-riding trio Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince William.
Kate Middleton and the kids – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and naughty Prince Louis, six – are yet to arrive.
The Coldstream Guards are on display for the world to see, dressed in full military regalia, alongside a huge number of supporting staff.
Over 1,400 officers and soldiers, 400 musicians, 200 horses and 10 bands are taking part in the Trooping the Colour event.
King Charles asked royals to wear black armbands in remembrance of those killed in the Air India plane tragedy.
Those wearing the bands will be the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Princess Royal, Colonel Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel Scots Guards.
A spokesperson said this is “a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”.
There will also be a minute’s silence at the event following Thursday’s devastating crash which killed at least 241 people.
The parade today is almost five months before King Charles’ actual birthday.
Charles was born on November 14, though the reigning British monarch has two birthdays.
The sovereign’s birthday, which is celebrated through the Trooping the Colour, usually falls in the summer months.
Notably, the King’s youngest son and his family are not present.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not invited last year either.
The late Queen used to invite the extended Royal Family onto the balcony, but this was later changed so that only working royals are allowed.
Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th Century, when it was first held by King Charles II.
The ceremony takes its name from each regiment showing off their battle colours, which made them easier to identify when at war.
Fans can either stream the event or attend live, though Central London is expected to be extremely busy.
Cheerful royal fans have gone all out in Union Jack clothing for the event[/caption]
Preparations are underway for Trooping The Colour 2025[/caption]
Trooping the Colour Military personnel and police make preparations on Horse Guards Parade in Westminster ahead of the celebration[/caption]
