by Ella Kipling
The parade set off from Buckingham Palace, with King Charles and Queen Camilla making their way in a carriage along The Mall to Horse Guards’ Parade.
As royal colonels, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh rode on horseback, while other attendees included the Princess of Wales and her three children, while the Duchess of Edinburgh travelled by carriage.
The celebrations culminated with a Red Arrows flypast, watched by the Royal Family from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
The King and Queen rode in an Ascot Landau carriage, purchased during the reign of Queen Victoria. The King wore the uniform of the Grenadier Guards featuring the cypher of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, husband of the Princess Royal, rode in the first carriage in the procession
Spectators thronged The Mall, where anti-monarchy protesters from the campaign group Republic were also present. They could be heard shouting “Down with the Crown” and “You are not our King” – slogans which also featured on yellow banners they held aloft, alongside images of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor
The title Trooping the Colour comes from the “Colours” – the name given to the flags representing the different regiments in the British Army
Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer were among the dignitaries watching the annual. event
Police Scotland officers recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
by Bill Heaney
Serving Police Scotland officers have been recognised by His Majesty the King in his Birthday Honours for their distinguished service to policing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Taylor, Sergeant Rhona Meikle and PC Michelle Webster have all received the King’s Police Medal (KPM). Special Constable Thelma Mackenzie has also been awarded an MBE for voluntary and public service to the community in Thurso, Caithness.
Congratulating the recipients, Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM, pictured right, said: “I offer my warmest congratulations to Sarah, Michelle, Rhona and Thelma.
“These honours are recognition of the skill and hard work of officers and staff who deliver for Scotland’s communities and keep people safe every day.”
DCS Sarah Taylor is Head of Public Protection, which includes serious sexual crime, child protection and domestic abuse. Her career over 26 years, has been defined by a sustained commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people
Sarah said: “I am profoundly honoured and proud to be awarded the King’s Police Medal. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride to be part of policing. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside truly good people – colleagues whose dedication, compassion and professionalism inspire me constantly.
“The camaraderie and shared values of those I work with make this role a real privilege. No one achieves anything in policing alone, and this recognition reflects the teamwork within our Service.”
Sgt Rhona Meikle has 28 years’ service in East Lothian, including 15 years as a dog handler, finding missing persons, securing evidence for serious and organised crime investigations and protecting police and public.
She has volunteered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, North Berwick, for 30 years, carrying out rescues in the Firth of Forth. She has brought her experience with RNLI into her work in East Lothian, working with partner agencies to reduce incidents of drowning in the area.
Rhona also uses her experience with dogs to work with young offenders, using her own dogs as therapy for young people.
Rhona said: “I’m honoured to receive this award. Policing, RNLI and Paws for Progress are organisations I am immensely proud of. They have enabled me to dedicate my time to work with dogs and people, often during their worst times.”
PC Michelle Webster has strengthened wellbeing support for officers and staff within Greater Glasgow Division, understanding the unique challenges and impact of operational demand and exposure to trauma faced by her colleagues.
She has worked to foster a workplace culture where officers and staff are encouraged to seek help when they need it and to reduce the stigma of mental health.
Her work has extended to pivotal roles within staff associations, and through this work she has enabled learning, awareness and a commitment to wellbeing across the service.
Michelle said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King. I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and compassionate people in Police Scotland, and it has been my greatest blessing to stand beside and support you over the years.
“To everyone whose path has crossed mine, thank you. Your kindness and resilience have inspired me more than you will ever know, and this honour belongs as much to you as it does to me.”