Last updated: 2 August 2023
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a traditional British ceremony full of military pomp and pageantry then do not miss Trooping the Colour. This annual event takes place near St James’s Park in June every year.
With the exception of both World Wars, and a National Strike in 1955, Trooping the Colour has been held in London every year to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday since the accession of King George IV in 1820. This year’s Trooping the Colour is of particular significance as it will be the first time that His Majesty King Charles III will oversee the ceremony as Sovereign, the first King’s Parade in 72 years.
Spectators should expect flag-waving and fanfare alongside the parade which displays marching manoeuvres and military precision from hundreds of Household Division officers, horses and musicians in ceremonial uniform. It’s also a great opportunity for the great British pastime of royal spotting. If you have the slightest interest in the pageantry of British tradition then the Trooping the Colour (The King’s Birthday Parade) is definitely not the event to miss!
Why is Trooping the Colour held in June?
Despite the fact that King Charles III’s official birthday is 14 November, British tradition dictates that Trooping the Colour is held on a Saturday in June. This is for two reasons. One, it provides a greater opportunity for the general public to attend and secondly, by holding the event in June it provides a better chance for good weather. It is England after all!
How to get Tickets for Trooping the Colour?
Due to the popularity of the grandstand tickets, an online public ballot operates for people to register their interest. This was open from March to April 2023 to obtain up to 4 tickets to attend the King’s Birthday Parade. If you’re interested in tickets for 2024, keep an eye on this site.
The Reviews
Prior to the event, there are two dress rehearsals, these are called Reviews. It is possible to get tickets to these events, which range from £5 to £15, and they’re nearly identical to the official Trooping the Colour reviewed by His Majesty The King.
The Major General’s Review, (official title is Trooping the Colour reviewed by The Major General) is identical to Trooping the Colour reviewed by The King, with the exception that it excludes the Guardsmen Street Lining on the Mall and some additional mounted officers ride when His Majesty The King is present.
Expect to see 1350 soldiers of the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, along with up to 300 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will parade on Horse Guards.
The second and final rehearsal is known as Trooping the Colour reviewed by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (Prince William). Just like The Major General’s Review, and is identical to Trooping the Colour reviewed by The King, with the exception of some additional mounted officers who ride when The King is present. The Prince of Wales Review took place on 10 June 2023.
Can I get tickets for the Reviews?
Tickets have been allocated for both Reviews, however all is not lost. If you’re in or visiting London at either of these times, you can get a limited view by standing on The Mall or on the edge of St James’s Park overlooking Horse Guards from 9am.
Where to Watch Trooping the Colour?
Seating in the grandstand on Horse Guards Parade is in high demand and tickets for these seated spots are available to members of the public via the aforementioned online ballot.
The good news is even if you miss out on seated tickets you can still get a grab view by standing along the parade route on The Mall or along the edge of St James’s Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade.
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It all starts once King Charles III arrives at Horse Guards Parade. The King will be greeted by a Royal salute from officers of the Household Division before undertaking an inspection of his troops who are dressed in the iconic red ceremonial uniform and bearskin hats.
Regimental bands perform and foot guards march past the Sovereign with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect from a British parade of this scale.
The final piece will be led by The King as he proceeds to Buckingham Palace to join other members of the Royal family on the palace balcony for the RAF fly-over at 1pm. If you’re attending Trooping the Colour for royal spotting, a spot along The Mall is the place to stand.
Trooping the Colour 2023
For the best view, crowds will line the Mall from Buckingham Palace through St James’s Park up to The Household Cavalry Museum (denoted by the blue B on the map below).
Should you find yourself on the wrong side of The Mall, there are designated pedestrian crossings along The Mall that are opened by Met Police at appropriate times. However, if you want to stand Clarence House side (denoted by red A & B), it’s easier to enter from Green Park tube.
Tips for Getting a Good View of the Royal Family?
Free and open to the public are spots along the Mall or from the edge of St James’s Park. Tickets aren’t required however you will need to arrive very early to secure a good spot. The event kicks off at 10am but you’ll need to be there by at least 7-8am to get the best spots. In years gone by, the public have brought fold up chairs, and dressed up for the occasion. Remember to BYO flag!
What Else Is On?
In addition to the fanfare at Horse Guards Parade, guns are fired in Hyde Park at 12:52PM and at the Tower of London at 1pm in honour of the occasion.
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Which Royals Attend Trooping The Colour?
This year’s Trooping the Colour will be a historically significant event following the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May, it will be the first King’s Birthday Parade in 72 years. It is expected that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will be in attendance. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence.
You can expect them all to take their place on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the 1pm RAF fly-over. Cameras at the ready!
The Essentials | Trooping the Colour
- Where: Buckingham Palace, along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade
- When: Saturday 17 June 2023, 10am. RAF Flypast is at 1pm.
- Insider tips: Get there early for prime viewing spots. The best vantage spots will be along The Mall close to Buckingham Palace.
- Food: Consider packing a picnic and plenty of water so you don’t lose your spot.
- Closest Tube: Green Park, St James’s Park
- More information: The Household Division, Seven British Army Regiments serving the King.
