Trooping the Colour, a magnificent royal tradition celebrating King Charles III's official birthday, returns to London on June 14, 2025, featuring over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians in a spectacular display of British military pageantry that begins at Buckingham Palace, proceeds along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, and concludes with the Royal Family watching an RAF flypast from the palace balcony.
History of Trooping the Colour Ceremony
The ceremony of Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II (1660-1685). Originally, it served a practical military purpose rather than being purely ceremonial. Regimental flags, known as "Colours," displayed the uniform colors and insignia of different units and functioned as crucial rallying points on smoky, chaotic battlefields where soldiers needed to quickly identify their regiments.
The practice of "trooping" involved young officers marching between ranks of troops with the Colours held high, ensuring every soldier could recognize their unit's flag. In 1748, the ceremony was officially designated to mark the Sovereign's birthday, becoming an annual tradition after George III's ascension in 1760. The Guards regiments, who perform the ceremony today, are among the oldest in the British Army and have served as the Sovereign's personal bodyguards since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. The BBC first broadcast the ceremony on radio in 1926 and on television in 1939, with annual television coverage beginning in 1949.
2025 Schedule: Major General's Review (May 31)
The Major General's Review on Saturday, May 31, 2025, marks the first rehearsal of the Trooping the Colour ceremony. This full-scale practice will be overseen by Major General James Bowder OBE, the Major General Commanding the Household Division. The parade begins at 10:30am at Horse Guards Parade and concludes by 12:25pm, featuring over 1,200 soldiers of the Household Division, The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and 400 musicians from the Massed Bands.
Tickets for this spectacular rehearsal are available for direct purchase at £10 per person through the official website (kbp.army.mod.uk). For those without tickets, limited viewing is possible from The Mall or the edge of St James's Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade from 9am, though views may be partially obscured by troops. While less formal than the main event, the Major General's Review offers the same pageantry and precision, differing only in having no Guardsmen street lining on The Mall and a slightly smaller entourage of mounted officers.
Colonel's Review (June 7) Details
The Colonel's Review, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, serves as the second and final rehearsal before the King's Birthday Parade. Taking place at Horse Guards Parade from 10:30am to 12:25pm, this impressive ceremony features over 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands. Additionally, 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards will line the processional route along The Mall, creating a magnificent spectacle nearly identical to the main event.
Tickets for the Colonel's Review are currently available for purchase through the official website (kbp.army.mod.uk), with options for seated, standing, and wheelchair-accessible spaces. For those without tickets, limited viewing is possible from The Mall or the edge of St James's Park from 9:00am, though views may be partially obscured. As central London will be extremely busy, visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance, with the nearest tube stations being Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross, St James's Park, and Victoria. No parking or drop-off facilities will be available in Whitehall or surrounding areas of Horse Guards.
Where to Stay: Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel
For visitors attending Trooping the Colour, the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers a charming and convenient accommodation option in central London. Nestled in a peaceful garden square just a short walk from Paddington Station, the hotel provides quick access to Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade via the London Underground. Guests can enjoy stylish, boutique-style rooms, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and an on-site bar and brasserie. Its location near Hyde Park also offers opportunities for tranquil strolls after the excitement of the royal festivities. Early booking is highly recommended due to high demand during the Trooping the Colour weekend.
