Trooping the Colour 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to The King’s Birthday Parade

Listen closely. Can you hear it? The rhythmic beat of drums, the stirring call of a brass band, the clatter of a thousand horseshoes on paved London streets. This is the sound of history, pageantry, and tradition coming alive. This is the sound of Trooping the Colour. As we look forward to the summer of 2025, there is no event that captures the heart of British ceremonial life quite like the King’s Birthday Parade. It’s a breathtaking spectacle of precision, discipline, and royal grandeur that draws eyes from around the globe.

Whether you’re a seasoned royal watcher planning your annual pilgrimage to London or a first-time visitor hoping to catch a glimpse of this iconic event, you’ve come to the right place. From my years of following and attending royal events, I’ve learned the ins and outs, the best viewing spots, and the hidden details that make this day so special. This is your ultimate, comprehensive guide to experiencing Trooping the Colour in 2025. We’ll cover everything from the historical significance to the exact date and timings, and most importantly, how you can be part of it.

What Exactly IS Trooping the Colour? A Look Behind the Pageantry

Before we dive into the practicalities for 2025, let’s appreciate the deep historical roots of this ceremony. At its core, Trooping the Colour is a military tradition that dates back over two and a half centuries. The “Colour” refers to a regiment’s flag, which was historically used as a rallying point on the battlefield. To ensure every soldier could recognize their regiment’s Colour in the heat of battle, it would be “trooped” (carried slowly) down the ranks for all to see.

In 1748, this practical military ceremony was combined with the Sovereign’s birthday celebrations for the first time. King George II’s actual birthday was in November—not ideal for an outdoor parade!—so he decided to merge his celebration with the annual summer military parade. The tradition stuck. Today, it serves as the official public celebration of the monarch’s birthday, regardless of their actual birth date (King Charles III’s is in November, just like George II’s).

Your 2025 Planning Guide: Date, Time, and Key Details

This is the crucial information you need to plan your visit. Mark your calendars and set your reminders, because the key to a successful experience is planning ahead!

The All-Important Date & Location

• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Main Location: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London
• Procession Route: Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, and back again.

Which Regiment is Trooping their Colour in 2025?

Each year, one of the five Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division is selected to troop their Colour. The regiments troop in a set rotation. Following the Irish Guards in 2024, it is the turn of the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards to have the honour of Trooping their Colour before the King in 2025. Their regimental Colour will be the focal point of the entire ceremony.

Anticipated Schedule of Events for June 14, 2025

While the final timings are confirmed closer to the date, the schedule is deeply traditional and rarely changes significantly. Here’s what you can expect:

Time (Approx. GMT)	Event	Location
10:00 AM	The parade begins. Royal Family members depart Buckingham Palace in carriages.	The Mall
10:30 AM	His Majesty The King departs Buckingham Palace, either on horseback or in a carriage.	The Mall
11:00 AM	The main ceremony begins. The King arrives to take the Royal Salute. The Colour is trooped.	Horse Guards Parade
12:25 PM	The Royal Procession returns up The Mall to Buckingham Palace.	The Mall
12:55 PM	The King takes a final salute at the gates of Buckingham Palace from the marching troops.	Buckingham Palace Forecourt
1:00 PM	The Royal Family appears on the balcony for the RAF Fly-Past.	Buckingham Palace

How to Experience Trooping the Colour: From Tickets to TV

This is the big question: how can you actually see it? You have several excellent options, ranging from a ticketed seat in the heart of the action to a spot amongst the cheering crowds.

Option 1: The Holy Grail – Seated Tickets at Horse Guards Parade

For the best possible view of the main ceremony, you’ll need a seated ticket for the stands at Horse Guards Parade. These are not easy to get.

• The Public Ballot: A limited number of tickets are made available to the public via an online ballot.
• When to Apply: The ballot typically opens in early February 2025 and closes in early March 2025. You MUST be vigilant and check the official Army/Household Division website during this period.
• How to Apply: You’ll apply online for a maximum of two tickets. The process is straightforward, but the demand is astronomical. Success is purely down to the luck of the draw.
• Cost: Tickets are not free. In previous years, they have been around £30-£40 per person.

Option 2: The Classic Experience – Watching from The Mall

This is the most popular way to see the parade for free and soak up the incredible atmosphere. You’ll get to see the Royal Procession twice as it travels between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.

Option 3: The Smart Alternative – The Rehearsals

Want to see the full parade with fewer crowds and for a lower cost? Consider attending one of the two rehearsals held on the preceding Saturdays.

• The Major General’s Review (Saturday, May 31, 2025 – estimated): The first rehearsal. Tickets are generally easier to get and cheaper.
• The Colonel’s Review (Saturday, June 7, 2025 – estimated): The final dress rehearsal, reviewed by the Regimental Colonel (often a senior member of the Royal Family). It is identical to the main event, just without the monarch present. Tickets for this are also available to the public and are a fantastic alternative.

Option 4: The Armchair View – Watching on Television

For millions in the UK and abroad, this is the go-to option. The BBC provides comprehensive, live coverage of the entire event, complete with expert commentary from former military officers and royal historians. It offers close-up views and insights you simply can’t get in person. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of your home.