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Every year, huge crowds flock to London to watch the King’s Birthday Parade – one of the most important events in the military calendar. Dating back hundreds of years, it marks the official birthday of the British monarch and features an impressive display of soldiers, musicians and horses – everything you’d expect from a royal ceremony.
Read on to learn more about the history of the King’s Birthday Parade, where to watch it and how to get there with South Western Railway.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour – also known as the King’s Birthday Parade – is a ceremonial parade that occurs annually to mark the monarch’s official birthday. It’s performed by His Majesty’s troops of the Household Division and held on Horse Guards Parade in central London.
This spectacular event has taken place for over 260 years and is watched by millions on TV and across the streets of London. 400 musicians, 200 horses and over 1,400 parading soldiers march in unison along The Mall – a truly unmissable sight.
The origins of Trooping the Colour date back to the battlefield, when a regiment’s flag would be ‘trooped’ around the ranks so soldiers could recognise their colours.
What happens during the King’s Parade?
At the beginning of the ceremony, the monarch rides down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where they receive a royal salute and carry out an inspection of the troops. The military bands then perform, and a Regimental Colour – or flag – is carried through the ranks of soldiers. After that, the monarch rides back to Buckingham Palace at the head of their Guards, where they take a further salute.
At the end of the parade, the monarch joins other members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Royal Air Force perform a fly-past. There’s also a 41-gun salute in Green Park to mark Trooping the Colour.
Two other events – The Major General’s Review and The Colonel’s Review – take place a few weeks before Trooping the Colour. These are rehearsals of the King’s Birthday Parade and are almost identical to the ceremony.
When is the King’s Birthday Parade?
The King’s Parade occurs in June each year. This year, King Charles’ Birthday Parade will take place on 15 June.
Why is the King’s official birthday in June?
The British monarch’s birthday is officially celebrated on the third Saturday of June each year. So, although King Charles’ birthday is on 14 November, it will be formally commemorated on 15 June 2024. Because it’s held on a Saturday, it isn’t a UK public holiday.
This two-birthday tradition began in 1748, when King George II paired the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony with his birthday celebrations, even though his birthday was in November. This was because it was too cold to hold a celebratory parade in winter.
Simply put, the monarch’s birthday is officially celebrated in June because of the likelihood of better weather and so more of the public can attend.
Travelling by train over the King’s Birthday Parade
Heading to the capital to watch the King’s Birthday Parade? Book your train to London with South Western Railway for a stress-free journey. Our services will take you to London Waterloo, where it’s then just a short tube journey over to Buckingham Palace and the surrounding areas for the event.
From London Waterloo, catch the northbound Bakerloo or Northern line to Charing Cross. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to The Mall, where you can settle in to watch the ceremony.
Remember to book your trains in advance and leave plenty of time to travel as services are expected to be busy.
Where to watch Trooping the Colour
The Trooping the Colour parade route begins at Buckingham Palace and travels along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and back again.
Seated tickets to watch the ceremony from the grandstand at Horse Guards Parade are available via ballot (a maximum of four per person), or you can purchase standing tickets directly. Find out more information here, where you can also book tickets for The Major General’s Review and The Colonel’s Review. Tickets range from £5.00 to £30.00.
Alternatively, head to The Mall or the edge of St James’s Park to watch the event for free from the sidelines. The celebrations begin at approximately 10:00 and finish by 14:00.
Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade
Watch the King’s Parade from The Mall to be right in the heart of the action. Arrive from 09:00 on the day to secure your spot and enjoy the best view.
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Bakerloo or Northern line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross and walk 3 minutes to The Mall. If you’re travelling from Vauxhall, take the northbound Victoria line to Oxford Circus, before changing to the southbound Bakerloo line and travelling two stops to Charing Cross. It’s a 3-minute walk from there.
St James’s Park
Home of Horse Guards Parade and the setting for many royal ceremonies, St James’s Park is the ideal place to enjoy the King’s Parade. Try to secure a spot overlooking Horse Guards Parade, and don’t forget to bring a flag to join in the celebrations!
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the westbound Jubilee line to Westminster and walk 8 minutes to the park. If you’re travelling from Vauxhall, ride the northbound Victoria line two stops to Victoria, before changing to the eastbound Circle or District line to St James’s Park station. It’s a 6-minute walk from there.
Tips for enjoying the King’s Birthday Parade
Below, we’ve listed some top tips for making the most of the King’s Birthday Parade in London.
- Allow plenty of time to travel: The King’s Birthday Parade is one of the most important events on the military ceremonial calendar, attracting large crowds each year. We recommend arriving as early as possible and allowing plenty of time to travel. Bear in mind that the areas around Buckingham Palace will be extremely busy on this day.
- Adhere to the dress code: Gentlemen attending the King’s Parade must wear morning dress, lounge suit, lounge dress, or jacket and trousers, and ladies the equivalent (no denim). Hats are optional but recommended.
- Check the weather: British weather can be temperamental – even in summer – so check the forecast before you leave and dress accordingly. Umbrellas are not permitted at the King’s Parade, so remember to bring along a coat if rain is expected.
- Bring food and drink: You’ll likely be waiting around quite a bit, so pack some food and drink to keep you going.
Spending the weekend in London? Check out our guides to visiting the Tower of London and Windsor Castle for more fun things to see and do.
Picnic in the park
If you’re visiting London with the kids, why not continue the King’s Birthday Parade celebrations with a picnic in St James’s Park? With acres of green space to enjoy, this is the perfect setting for a relaxing al fresco meal. The park has a café where you can grab hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and salads.
Ready to plan your trip to London? Book your train tickets in advance with South Western Railway and let us get you there. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak, and see if you could save with our Group Travel and GroupSave options. Travel on any train with flexible Sunday Out tickets and return at any time with Semi Flex Return tickets.
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