Trooping the Colour is Britain’s biggest and most spectacular military parade, held every June for the monarch’s official birthday. It began as a practical battlefield drill in the 17th century and has become one of the most quintessentially British events of the year.
More than 1,400 officers and soldiers take part, along with over 200 horses and around 400 musicians, ending with the famous Royal Family balcony appearance and an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace.
nataliiazhekova/canvasWhat Happens on the Day
The parade follows the same set sequence each year, running between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.
From 10:30am
The King leaves Buckingham Palace with a mounted cavalry escort and processes down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade.
The inspection
At Horse Guards Parade, the King receives a Royal Salute and inspects the assembled troops.
Trooping the Colour
The Massed Bands perform, then the chosen regiment’s Colour, its flag, is carried ceremonially through the ranks. This is the heart of the parade.
The march past
The Foot Guards march past in slow and quick time, followed by the mounted Household Cavalry.
Around 12:25pm
The King returns down The Mall to Buckingham Palace at the head of his Guards.
1:00pm
The Royal Family gathers on the balcony for the RAF flypast, the most photographed moment of the day.
Trooping the Colour by the Numbers
The scale of the parade is part of the spectacle.
1,400+
200+
400
10
5
1748
The Five Regiments
The parade is led each year by one of the five regiments of Foot Guards, who take it in turn on a five-year cycle. They wear the famous scarlet tunics and bearskin caps, and they are not ceremonial soldiers in costume: they are active troops who serve on operations the rest of the year.
- Grenadier Guards
- Coldstream Guards
- Scots Guards
- Irish Guards
- Welsh Guards
How to Watch
There are two ways to see the parade in person, each with its own advantages.
Ticketed seats (by ballot)
Seated tickets for Horse Guards Parade are allocated by a public ballot, with applications usually closing in March for the June parade. You can apply for up to four, but demand far exceeds supply. The seats give the best view of the ceremony itself.
Free along The Mall
Plenty of people watch for free from The Mall or the edge of St James’s Park. Arrive by around 9:00 to 9:30am for a good spot. You get the procession, the atmosphere, and an excellent view of the flypast.
Insider Tips
A few things worth knowing if you are going in person.
- Arrive early: by 9:00 to 9:30am for the free spots along The Mall, and expect airport-style security and big crowds.
- Make a day of it: the build-up and atmosphere are half the experience, not just the parade itself.
- Dress for British weather: the parade goes ahead rain or shine, with little shelter.
- Stay for the flypast: the 1:00pm flypast is the highlight for many, especially children.
- Consider the rehearsals: the two public reviews on the preceding Saturdays (the Colonel’s Review and the Major General’s Review) offer similar pageantry with smaller crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Trooping the Colour take place?
Every June, usually on a Saturday. The date is announced well in advance. The parade starts at 10:30am and the flypast follows at 1:00pm.
How can I get tickets to watch Trooping the Colour?
Seated tickets are allocated by a public ballot, with applications usually closing in March. You can apply for up to four, but demand far exceeds supply.
Can I watch Trooping the Colour for free?
Yes, from The Mall or St James’s Park. Arrive by around 9:00 to 9:30am for a good spot, and expect large crowds and security checks.
What exactly is “trooped” during the ceremony?
The regimental Colour, the flag, of one of the five Foot Guards regiments is carried ceremonially through the ranks. The custom began on the battlefield, so soldiers could recognise their rallying point.
How long does the ceremony last?
The main parade runs about two hours, from 10:30am to around 12:25pm, followed by the RAF flypast at 1:00pm. Arrive much earlier to secure a good viewing spot.
What happens if it rains?
The parade goes ahead whatever the weather. Come prepared for the outdoors, as there is little shelter.