Annual royal ceremony known as Trooping the Colour, marking the British monarch's birthday. Details on this tradition and its commencement time.
Unleash the Pageantry: Trooping the Colour
Taking center stage, rain or shine, Trooping the Colour is a spectacle not to be missed on the British royal calendar. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill get-together; it's a rare opportunity to witness a plethora of the Royal Family, gracefully executing their regal duties together. Not just the balcony at Buckingham Palace, but the event as a whole is a treat, apart from the occasional Christmas or Easter gathering.
In recent years, a new tradition emerged for only the working royals and their offspring to take center-stage. Yet, there's still a vibrant crowd, including the entire Wales family. But what exactly is Trooping the Colour, and what does it entail? Let's shed some light on this grand occasion.
Decoding the Name
Trooping the Colour isn't just a fancy title; it signifies the Regimental Colour or flag of a specific regiment being displayed during a military parade every June in honor of the monarch's birthday. As King Charles is something of a throwback, his actual birthday is on the 14th of November, and Queen Elizabeth's was on the 21st of April. However, June is favored for its better weather, which contrasts starkly with the chilly November parade back in the day[4].
The origins of Trooping the Colour can be traced back to the 17th century when King Charles II was reigning supreme[4]. It was officially designated to mark the Sovereign's birthday in 1748, and it became an annual affair after King George III took charge in 1760[4]. The participating guards are handpicked from the Regiments of the Sovereign's Household Troops.
Each year, a Regiment of Foot Guards is chosen to troop their colours[4]. In 2025, it'll be the Coldstream Guards' turn, having been the Irish Guards' year in 2024. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was present at the parade despite her cancer treatment, showcasing her role as their Colonel[4].
Upon attending Trooping the Colour, you'll witness more than 1,350 soldiers of the Household Division, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, over 300 musicians from the Massed Bands, and 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards lining the route, ready to kick off the festivities[4].
The Spectacle Unfolds
The main event takes place on the 14th of June[4]. King Charles and his family will make their grand entrance at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, close to Buckingham Palace[4]. Upon arrival, they'll be greeted with a Royal Salute, followed by inspecting the troops in their ceremonial red uniform and bearskin hats[4]. Military bands will perform, and then the escorted Regimental Colour (flag) will be marched past the troops[4].
The King will then lead the soldiers back to Buckingham Palace, taking the salute again from a dais. After a short breather, he will make his appearance on the balcony with his fellow working royals, where they'll be treated to a flypast by the Royal Air Force[4]. In nearby Green Park, a 41-gun salute is traditionally fired to mark the occasion[4].
Witness the Magic
While you can secure tickets in advance or simply show up to watch from the streets of London, the BBC offers a live broadcast from 10:30 am BST on the 14th of June until 1:10 pm[4]. The parade begins at 10:30 and concludes by 12:25, with the flypast and royal balcony moment taking place just before 1 pm[4]. To ensure you don't miss a single moment, tune into BBC One[4].
If you're planning to embark on your royal adventure abroad, fear not. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy Trooping the Colour from the comfort of your own home, no matter where in the world you are[6]. Our trusted tech companion, TechRadar, recommends NordVPN as the gold standard for VPN services[6]. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can easily try it out and stream from any device[6].
Here's a quick guide on how to set up your VPN:
- Download and install the VPN, following NordVPN's simple instructions.
- Once installed, open the app and select any server in the UK.
- With your VPN installed and server location set to the UK, you're ready to watch Trooping the Colour[6].
- The Trooping the Colour event, a grand spectacle on the British royal calendar, takes place annually, typically on the 14th of June, showcasing a blend of home-and-garden pageantry and social-media frenzy.
- This annual celebration is more than just a military parade; it's a celebration of the royal family, their wellness, and the overall lifestyle they champion, attracting a large, vibrant crowd, including fans from various corners of the globe, through social media and other platforms.
- Remarkably, even members of the pop-culture realm, like celebrities, have expressed their admiration for the event, adding an extra layer of excitement and beauty to the occasion.
- As you bask in the spectacle from the comfort of your home or amidst the bustling streets of London, you can't help but appreciate the sustainable-living aspect it embodies, with modest ticket offerings and the option to watch via livestream, making it an accessible event for all, representing the heart of the family and the home.
- In the digital age, Trooping the Colour has transcended its original purpose, becoming a celebration of health, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, uniting families and individuals worldwide, all united by their shared passion for the event and the timeless allure of the monarchy.
- So, whether you're tuning in live on BBC One, securing tickets to the event, or utilizing a VPN to join the festivities from afar, remember that Trooping the Colour is more than just a military parade—it's a testament to the beauty of tradition, the enduring allure of the monarchy, and the essence of sustainable, shared experiences that bring us together, transcending walls and borders.
