Trooping the Colour

The Sovereign's birthday is officially celebrated by the ceremony of Trooping the Colour (King's Birthday Parade). This impressive display of pageantry takes place on a Saturday in June by his personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with His Majesty the King himself attending and taking the salute. Over 1400 officers and men are on parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. Some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

During the ceremony, The King is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops. After the massed bands have performed a musical 'troop', the escorted Regimental Colour is carried down the ranks.The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past His Majesty, and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past. The King rides  back to Buckingham Palace at the head of his Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais. The troops then return to barracks. His Majesty then joins other members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony for a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.

The first Trooping the Colour which is reviewed by The Major General usually takes place two weeks before the actual Birthday Parade.

The second Trooping the Colour which is reviewed by The Colonel of the Regiment usually takes place a week before the actual Birthday Parade.

How to watch:

Members of the public wishing to watch are advised to stand on The Mall or on the edge of St James's Park overlooking Horse Guards (their view may be somewhat obscured by troops in this position) from 9.00am. The best public vantage points are indicated on the map with black dotted lines.

Events begin at approximately 10.00am, with the fly-past at 1.00pm.

The parade is also broadcast live on the BBC in the UK.

Tickets for seated stands around Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour are allocated by ballot. Up to a maximum of 4 tickets can be applied.   

Ticket prices are as follows: £30.00 each for Trooping the Colour Reviewed by His Majesty The King; £15.00 each for Trooping the Colour Reviewed by The Colonel of the Regiment and £10.00 each for Trooping the Colour Reviewed by The Major General. Tickets for the Colonel's Review and the Major General's Review will be released for sale in March 2023

• Please go to www.kbp.army.mod.uk to purchase your tickets to the Major General's Review and the Colonel's Review from March 2023 onwards.

Arriving by car/taxi. 

For the King’s Birthday Parade only, access to Whitehall.  On arrival at the junction Parliament Square/ Parliament Street, please have your QBP tickets ready for checking by the police/Household Division soldiers.  Vehicles will be allowed to drop off at Horse Guards entrance but not park.  All vehicles will be directed to leave Whitehall via Horse Guards Avenue.

Dress Code:

Trooping the Colour Reviewed by His Majesty The King:

This is a formal State Ceremonial Parade in the presence of His Majesty The King. Those attending are required to dress accordingly.

Morning dress, lounge suit or jacket, tie and trousers, equivalent for ladies (no denim, shorts or sandals).

Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform (with medals) or equivalent.

Hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to His Majesty and the Colours as they pass, as well as giving the necessary protection from the sun. Umbrellas/parasols are not permitted to avoid obstructing views.

Trooping the Colour Reviewed by The Colonel of the Regiment:

This is a formal military parade and those attending are encouraged to look smart.

Lounge suit or jacket, tie and trousers; equivalent for ladies (no denim, shorts or sandals).

Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform (with medals) or equivalent.

Hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and the Colours as they pass, as well as giving the necessary protection from the sun. Umbrellas/parasols are not permitted to avoid obstructing views.

Trooping the Colour Reviewed by The Major General:

This is a formal military parade and those attending are encouraged to look smart.

Lounge suit or jacket, tie and trousers; equivalent for ladies (no denim, shorts or sandals).

Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform (with medals) or equivalent.

Hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to the Major General and the Colours as they pass, as well as giving the necessary protection from the sun. Umbrellas/parasols are not permitted to avoid obstructing views.

 

NON COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE MAY RESULT IN REFUSAL OF ENTRY.

 

SECURITY

Police will be conducting searches of your personal belongings. As a condition of entry any items such as knives, pen knives, Leatherman and similar articles are prohibited and may be confiscated.

 

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