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This year’s Trooping the Colour (also known as the King’s Official Birthday Parade) will be held on Saturday 15 June.
History
Trooping the Colour was first held during the reign of King Charles II in the 1600s; it became an annual event when George III became king in 1760. It’s held to celebrate the official birthday of the sovereign.
The colours refer to the regimental flags of the British Army. Each year, one of the five Foot Guard regiments is selected to troop (carry) the colour (flag).
The royal procession travels from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall, to Horse Guards Parade. The ceremony includes the King’s inspection of the Household Division, music from the Mounted and Foot Guards, and the display of the colour in front of the sovereign. The royal procession then returns to Buckingham Palace to view a Royal Air Force flypast from the iconic balcony.
The parade includes over 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians.
Schedule
The parade begins at Horse Guards Parade at 10am and is scheduled to finish by 12.25pm. The 41-gun salute, held in Green Park, will be at 12.52pm and the flypast will occur at 1pm.
Where to watch
Tickets for the event have now sold out however the parade can be seen, with no tickets necessary, from The Mall. The event will also be broadcast on the BBC.
Getting there
The Mall is a scenic 17-minute stroll from Hertford Street, via Green Park. Allow extra time as the area will be busy.