King Charles is intent on attending Trooping the Colour amid his cancer treatment — and could make it happen with a twist on tradition, according to a new report. The King, 75, is “determined to attend” his birthday parade in London on June 15 and could travel by carriage from Buckingham Palace instead of riding on horseback as he did last year, overseeing the festivities from a podium, the Daily Mail reported on Sunday.
“There are a number of key events His Majesty would love to attend coming up in the diary and this is at the top of the list,” a source told the outlet. Buckingham Palace previously told PEOPLE that all options are being explored as planning for the event continues.
Queen Elizabeth last appeared on horseback at Trooping the Colour in 1986 and opted for a carriage in the years that followed. The grand military procession has held an official spot on the royal calendar since 1760 and typically occurs in June, marking the official birthday for the reigning King or Queen, irrespective of their actual birth date (King Charles’ birthday falls in November).
Trooping the Colour was especially meaningful for King Charles last year as it was the first of his royal reign. In June 2023, the sovereign saddled up on a black mare named Noble for his ceremonial role as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division of the British Army. It marked the first time in 37 years that a British monarch decided to ride, as Queen Elizabeth started taking a carriage at Trooping after she turned 60.
Uncertainty lingers regarding the specifics of the plans, influenced by the King’s health. Buckingham Palace revealed on Feb. 5 that King Charles received a cancer diagnosis shortly after he was treated for an enlarged prostate, clarifying that it is not prostate cancer. The palace stated that the King had begun treatment and was advised to postpone public appearances. However, he has continued to work behind the scenes and host in-person meetings with various officials.
A source close to the royal household previously told PEOPLE that the King is “coping well” amid his treatment. He was most recently photographed meeting with the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, last week.
It also remains unclear whether Kate Middleton will attend Trooping the Color in June amid her recovery following her abdominal surgery in January. On March 6, the British Army was forced to backtrack and removed Princess Kate’s name from its website after it listed her as leading the annual review of soldiers at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 8, the precursor to Trooping the Colour.
Though it raised hopes that the Princess of Wales, 42, would be undertaking the public duty as honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, her office at Kensington Palace said they hadn’t been consulted about the appearance. Her name was pulled from the page, which was selling tickets to the event, one day later.