When Is Trooping the Colour 2025?

Trooping the Colour is a highlight of London's summer. On the day, you will see solemn ceremonial drills, passionate military music and the formal raising of the flag. The 2025 Trooping the Colour will be held on May 31, June 7 and June 14, 2025. Today's Trooping the Colour involves more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and the Royal Guards Big Band.

This article will teach you about this iconic event's significance, history, highlights, ticket purchase, transportation and tips. This will help deepen your understanding of British culture and traditions. We also highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply for powering electronics and devices during this event.      

What Is Trooping the Colour? 

Trooping the Colour in the UK is a grand ceremony held every year to celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch. It is also an important event in British royal etiquette. About 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians participated in the ceremony, which included a parade, a military band, and a Royal Air Force flypast.

As a symbolic event of the British monarchy, Trooping the Colour attracts tourists worldwide and is broadcast live on television. Here are the key information about Trooping the Colour:

The Origin and History of Trooping the Colour

Trooping the Colour can be traced back to the 17th century and originated from the battlefield practice of the British army. In battle, the flags (Colours) of the infantry regiments are an essential symbol for soldiers to gather and identify their units. In addition, before marching every day, officers will march in the team with the regimental flags held high (i.e. "Trooping") to ensure that all soldiers are familiar with the patterns and colours of the flags so that they can distinguish between enemies and friends on the battlefield.

After King Charles II first held Trooping the Colour in 1748, it was decided that this parade would mark the monarch's official birthday. However, from 1811 to 1820, Trooping the Colour was suspended due to King George III's illness. It was not until King George IV ascended the throne that Trooping the Colour was resumed. The custom has continued to this day, except for major events such as the World Wars. For example, the railway strike in 1955 led to the cancellation of Trooping the Colour.

In recent years, Trooping the Colour has incorporated new elements while retaining its ancient traditions. For example, the Royal Air Force Air Show began in 1913 and presented people with a thrilling aerial feast.

The Significance of Trooping the Colour

In the UK, Trooping the Colour is a celebration of the British monarch's birthday and a comprehensive ceremony that combines military honour, historical traditions, national symbols and royal authority. The primary significance of Trooping the Colour is reflected in the following aspects:

Celebrating the official birthday of the monarch.

Highlighting the close connection between the monarch and the army.

Showcasing national traditions and cohesion.

Maintaining the visibility and affinity of the royal family.

In short, through highly stylized performances, it strengthens the British people's sense of identity with the monarchy, the army, and history while revealing the unique culture of Britain to the world.

When Is Trooping the Colour 2025?  

Trooping the Colour is a grand ceremony celebrating the monarch's official birthday in the UK. The 2025 Trooping the Colour will be held on May 31, June 7, and June 14, 2025. Trooping the Colour mainly includes the following three main events:

The Major General's Review

The Major General's Review is the first parade rehearsal hosted by the Major General of the Household Division. It is usually held on a Saturday in late May or early June, mainly to test the readiness of the troops and bands. The 2025 Major General's Review will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025. In addition, the Major General's Review is not open to the public but only to military personnel.

The Colonel's Review

Trooping the Colour is the second parade rehearsal, hosted by the colonel of the Household Division (usually a senior member of the royal family). It is generally held on the Saturday of the week after the Major General's Review and is closer in scale to the official parade. The 2025 Major General's Review will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The Colonel's Review is partially open to the public but is less formal than The King's Birthday Parade.

The King's Birthday Parade

The King's Birthday Parade is the official birthday celebration of the King of the United Kingdom, held on the second Saturday of June each year, even if the King's actual birthday is different. The King will personally review the troops, and the Royal Horse Guards and Foot Guards will perform a parade. The 2025 King's Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025. It is a grand military parade celebrating King Charles III's official birthday. The Royal Trooping the Colour begins at 10:30 a.m. on Horse Guards Parade and ends at 12:25 p.m. The Royal Parade will then proceed to Buckingham Palace. At 1 p.m., you will see a spectacular RAF flypast.

What Are the Highlights of Trooping the Colour 2025?

During Trooping the Colour, the streets of London are filled with breathtaking pomp and excitement. Soldiers in beautiful uniforms, the legendary Household Cavalry and the famous Foot Guards create a visual feast. Here are the main highlights of Trooping the Colour in the UK:

Visually Stunning Military Formations

The Household Division, dressed in red uniforms and tall bearskin hats, lines up for review. Its core units are the famous Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, etc. The flags of different regiments are of other colours (such as the red flag of the Grenadier Guards), and their history can be traced back to the fighting years of each unit.

In addition, the Royal Horse Artillery will fire a salute to mark the beginning of the ceremony. The Household Horse Guards ride pure black or chestnut horses, wearing golden breastplates or black armour, recreating the medieval knight style.

Participation of Royal Family Members

The presence of royal family members in Trooping the Colour symbolizes the royal family's connection with and support for the army. During the review, the monarch receives the military flag salute and rides in a carriage or horse along the procession, reflecting the traditional bond between the royal family and the military.

For example, in 2023, Charles III presided over the parade for the first time as king. In addition to the monarch, other members, such as princesses, attend in formal attire, and the details of the costumes often imply military elements.

Royal Air Force Flying Display

At the end of the ceremony, the Royal Air Force Flying Team (Red Arrows) pulled out coloured smoke (red, white and blue smoke bands) in a multi-aircraft formation, flew over Buckingham Palace and drew symbolic patterns (such as the royal emblem,) in the sky to pay tribute to the monarch. In addition, the Royal Air Force Flying Display will form a three-dimensional audio-visual feast with the rhythm of military music on the ground, strengthening the sense of ceremony.

Music Feast

Military bands echoed in the air while waiting for Trooping the Colour to begin. Many musicians played classic melodies (such as British Grenadiers), which made people want to clap or sway to the music. Exciting music will also create a more joyful atmosphere for the Royal Air Force Flying Display. For example, some troops have bagpipe bands to add Scottish flavour to Trooping the Colour.

Public Interaction

During Trooping the Colour, national flags are hung on the streets of London, and people watch and wave them along the parade route. In addition, some lucky people are invited to the viewing platform to watch the ceremony up close, highlighting the ceremony as a symbol of national identity.

On this day, people from all walks of life gather to celebrate this grand event. Live TV broadcasts and social media will interact in real-time during the day, allowing global audiences to experience the details of the ceremony simultaneously.

How to Buy Tickets for Trooping the Colour 2025?

In the UK, tickets for Trooping the Colour usually must be applied for in advance through official channels. Please visit kbp.army.mod.uk to purchase tickets for The Major General's Review and The Colonel's Review or participate in the lottery for the Royal Trooping the Colour (The King's Birthday Parade). Here are detailed ticket purchase guidelines and notes:

How to Purchase or Apply for Tickets?

You can purchase tickets for two events: The Major General's Review on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and The Colonel's Review on Saturday, June 7, 2025. For these two events, you can purchase seated, standing, or wheelchair tickets.

Seat tickets for The King's Birthday Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2025 (standing tickets can be purchased directly) will be allocated by lottery. Winners will be notified by email and invited to buy tickets. Each person can apply for 1 to 4 seated tickets. However, the lottery for The King's Birthday Parade closed at noon on March 24, 2025.

Trooping the Colour 2025 Ticket Prices

Trooping the Colour 2025 ticket prices for the three events and different ticket types are as follows:

(Data Source: kbp.army.mod.uk)

Trooping the Colour 2025 Ticket Terms

When purchasing tickets for Trooping the Colour 2025, please note the following terms:

Note for Wheelchair Tickets: Each wheelchair ticket includes a wheelchair space and a seat for a companion. If you accompany a wheelchair user with a wheelchair ticket to Trooping the Colour 2025, you do not need to purchase a separate ticket.

Note for Children's Tickets: Children over two cannot enter without a ticket.

Buying Individual Tickets: Tickets for each event must be purchased separately. Group purchases of tickets for multiple events are not accepted.

Keep It Safe: Official Tickets is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets and cannot replace them.

How to Go to Trooping the Colour 2025?

Central London is expected to be very busy during Trooping the Colour 2025, especially on Saturday, June 14. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan your travel mode and route and leave plenty of time for travel.

Trooping the Colour 2025 will be held at Horse Guards Parade in London. Its detailed address is Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX. Here are several ways to get to Trooping the Colour 2025:

By train

You can choose to take the train to Horse Guards Parade. The nearest train stations are Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria. Charing Cross Road, which is closest to Horse Guards Parade, is about 6 minutes' walk away.

By subway

Taking the subway to the Trooping the Colour venue is also convenient. The nearest subway stations to Horse Guards Parade are Westminster Station, Embankment Station, Charing Cross Station, St. James Park Station, and Victoria Station.

Please note that there will be no parking or drop-off facilities around Whitehall and Horse Guards during Trooping the Colour. In addition, Whitehall is located in the Congestion Charge area, which makes parking difficult and expensive. Furthermore, vehicles are prohibited from entering the area when Trooping the Colour. Therefore, you must drop off your vehicle around Whitehall and Horse Guards and walk to Horse Guards Parade.

Tips for Attending Trooping the Colour 2025

Here are some valuable tips for attending Trooping the Colour 2025 to help you enjoy this grand event:

Tip 1: Arrive Early & Security

The parade usually starts in the morning, but crowds gather earlier. In addition, you will need to go through security to enter the Trooping the Colour venue, and the queues may be extended. Please arrive at least 50 minutes early to allow for security checks.

Tip 2: Dress Code

When visiting Trooping the Colour, please refer to the following dress code.

Men's Dress Code: Men may wear a suit or jacket, requiring a tie.

Women's Dress Code: Ladies should wear a formal day dress, skirt or trousers, and a suitable top or jacket.

Military Dress: Active military personnel may wear the ceremonial day uniform or equivalent (medals may be worn) but may not remove their headdress or coat at any time.

Other Dress Code Suggestions: People are welcome to wear formal national dress. Women and men are free to wear hats of their own choice.

Dress Taboos: Denim is not allowed under any circumstances. Shorts and casual shoes are not permitted except for medical reasons.

Tip 3: Travel Light

Queues may be extended when travelling to Trooping the Colour 2025, so it is recommended to travel light. Bring your ticket (digital or paper), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and rain gear. You can bring a small portable power station (e.g., Jackery Portable Power Station) to charge your phone anytime.

However, dangerous items, such as knives, glass bottles, drones, etc., are prohibited. Professional photography equipment, such as tripods and telephoto lenses, should be checked in advance to see if it is allowed.

Tip 4: Explore Other Viewing Options

If you do not have a ticket, you can enjoy the Trooping the Colour show for free by finding a seat along The Mall, the ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace. However, this requires reserving a seat early or even queuing the night before. Please note that the parade troops may block the view from these seats.

If you cannot find a seat along the parade route, you can also consider watching the live broadcast on TV. Many TV stations and media outlets will cover the event, so you can enjoy the spectacle without leaving home. For example, the BBC will broadcast the King's Birthday Parade on June 14, 2025.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Taking a Jackery Portable Power Station to Trooping the Colour in 2025 could be beneficial for several reasons, primarily focused on convenience and ensuring you can comfortably enjoy the event without worrying about your devices running out of power.

You'll likely use your phone extensively to take photos and videos of the parade, the Royal Family, and the flypast. A portable power station ensures your battery doesn't die at a crucial moment.   

If you're a keen photographer or videographer, a Jackery can keep your camera batteries charged, allowing you to capture high-quality memories throughout the event. If you're bringing a tablet for entertainment while waiting or to view digital programs, a power station can keep it running. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 240 v2 and 100 Plus.

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 could be a suitable portable power station to take to the events. Its primary benefit lies in keeping essential personal devices charged throughout the event. With its 256Wh capacity and versatile output ports (including AC, USB-A, and USB-C), it can readily recharge smartphones multiple times, ensuring you stay connected with friends and can capture those festival moments.  

- Smaller Power Solution: The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously.

- Adequate Capacity for Electronics: Its 256Wh capacity should be sufficient to charge smartphones multiple times, power cameras, tablets, and even small portable speakers or lights for a day or two at the festival.

- Recharging Made Easy: The Explorer 240 v2 supports 1-hour fast charging via the app and can be fully recharged from an AC wall outlet in about 2 hours. If you can access power, you can easily top it up before heading to the festival or overnight. It also supports solar charging (though you'd need to bring a compatible solar panel).

- Emergency Charging within One Hour: The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour through an app. It is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.   

- Safety & Longevity: Compared to other battery types, a LiFePO4 battery offers a longer lifespan (around 3,000 charge cycles, potentially lasting up to 10 years) and enhanced safety features. Although likely not a primary concern for a festival, it has a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) mode, offering a seamless switchover in case of power interruption, indicating reliable power delivery.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus could be a suitable portable power station to take to the Trooping the Colour. Its primary benefit lies in keeping essential personal devices charged throughout the event. 

- Lightweight & Smaller Power Supply: Weighing just around 2.13 lbs (965g), the Explorer 100 Plus is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around the festival site. This is a significant advantage if you plan to move between stages and don't want to be weighed down.  

- Aeroplane Friendly: With a 99Wh capacity, it complies with most airline carry-on restrictions for lithium batteries, making it easy to transport to the UK if you're flying. It features two USB-C ports (up to 100W output) and one USB-A port (up to 18W output), allowing you to charge up to three devices simultaneously.

- Charging Small Devices: It's well-suited for charging smartphones (it can charge an iPhone 14 around 7.8 times), tablets (it can charge an iPad Pro 2022 about 3.4 times), smartwatches, headphones (it can charge Apple AirPods Pro around 66 times), and other small USB-powered devices.

- Relatively Fast Charging: It can be fully recharged via a 100W PD adapter in about 1.8 hours, via a car charger in around 2.5 hours, or with a SolarSaga 100W solar panel (sold separately) in approximately 2 hours.    

- Long-Lasting Quality: The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is known for its long lifespan, offering around 2,000 charge cycles to 80% capacity. This means it can last for many festival seasons. It includes multiple protections, such as over-temperature, over-current, short-circuit, and low-temperature protection, ensuring safe operation.

FAQs about Trooping the Colour 2025

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Trooping the Colour 2025:

1. When is Trooping the Colour 2025?

In the UK, Trooping the Colour 2025 will be held on May 31, June 7 and June 14, 2025. The main event is The King's Birthday Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

2. When does Trooping the Colour take place?

Usually, Trooping the Colour starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 12:25 p.m. In addition, there will be a flypast at 1:00 p.m. on the day of The King's Birthday Parade.

3. Why do people love Trooping the Colour?

Here are the reasons why people love Trooping the Colour so much:

Respecting tradition: Trooping the Colour has a history of hundreds of years. It embodies the spirit of a country and pays tribute to the living and fallen soldiers, so people think it is important to commemorate this day.

Respecting the military: Trooping the Colour commemorates the significant contributions made by the army to the people.

4. Can you watch Trooping the Colour for free?

Yes. Although you need to buy a ticket to enter Trooping the Colour live, there are ways to watch it for free. You can watch some of the events for free standing on the side of the boulevard or the edge of St James's Park overlooking the Horse Guards Parade. Alternatively, you can watch Trooping the Colour for free by watching the BBC live broadcast of the event.

Final Thoughts

In short, Trooping the Colour has a history of nearly 260 years and is deeply rooted in British culture. It has become a symbol of royal splendour, military power, and national unity. At the Royal Horse Guards Parade, you will witness a traditional ceremony full of military pomp and magnificence. The main highlights of the British Trooping the Colour include visually stunning military formations, participation of royal family members, and Royal Air Force flight performances.