Annual March in Commemoration of Charles I

An annual march down The Mall to commemorate the execution of King Charles I will take place this morning.

This is a ceremony to remember the “Horrid Murder” of King Charles I in 1649, and carried out by King’s Army of the English Civil War Society. The soldiers of this modern recreation of the Royalist Army of the English Civil Wars are all volunteers and will be clothed and equipped the same as their forebears 370 years ago.

For all the spectacle, it’s an annual tradition that seems oddly little known about considering that hundreds of participants take part in it.

It always takes place on the last Sunday of the month.

The march starts by St James Palace at around 11:15am, and makes its way in funeral order down the Mall and onto Horse Guards, following Charles’ last route. On Horse Guards, a religious drumhead service is held, a colour is trooped and blessed, the Oath of Loyalty is administered and awards and commissions are presented.

A wreath, which ‘Remembers’ His Majestie’s horrid murder, is then trooped around the whole army before being taken by the honour guard through Horse Guards Arch and across to the Banqueting House and laid where the Horrid deed was carried out.

Whilst this takes place the Army remove their funeral dress and resume a martial order before retracing their route back to St James’s Palace with drums beating and colours flying.

For photos of what to expect - go here.