Trooping the Colour is a spectacular, historic pageant, conducted every June, which publicly celebrates the British monarch’s birthday. King Charles III, pictured here at his proclamation as king on 10 September, was born on 14 November. Yet, true to history, the official celebrations always take place in June. This year is an especially historic time as the celebratory ceremonial pageantry goes on against the backdrop of a pared-down monarchy.
Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th century. It became an annual celebration with the ascension of King George III in the 18th century. The celebration honors not only the historic birthday but the extraordinary military pageantry and precision. It draws the attention of millions of committed spectators ready to experience all this visual splendor.
The Ceremonial Procession
The event begins with a reception at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, King Charles III will inspect the soldiers, who will then proceed in a ceremonial march down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians took part this year, the events bringing to life the spectacular artistry of the British Army.
At the ceremony, the colours (flags) of one regiment are “trooped,” or carried, in front of the monarch. King Charles III takes the salute from his open carriage as he returns to Buckingham Palace leading the long parade of marching troops. The splendid pageant of equestrian skill and military training speaks to the importance of the moment.
The quality of the royal family further increases the spectacle. Royal ladies dazzle the throngs in precisely fitted day dresses and beautiful headwear, gentlemen regally sport for the occasion time-honored military regalia. This unique mixture of royal fashion and military tradition makes for a colorful spectacle, mesmerizing all those in attendance or watching the ceremony worldwide.
Aerial Displays and Historical Moments
The biggest treat of this massive year’s event is the incredible aerial display from the Royal Air Force, their Red Arrows. In 2023, instead of the usual Red Arrows aircraft, 18 Typhoon jets flew over Buckingham Palace in a spectacular formation. This pageant, dubbed ‘CR’ for ‘Charles Rex,’ marked King Charles III’s first Trooping as king. These displays have become an enduring highlight of the ceremony, representative of an incredible moment of national pride.
Beyond these duties, historically Trooping the Colour has been a family affair. When Prince George of Cambridge made his first appearance in 2015, he was dressed in his father Prince William’s outfit from 1984. Princess Charlotte unsurprisingly went along with this tradition too, making her debut Trooping appearance at just 13 months old in 2016. These scenes encapsulate perhaps the most remarkable aspect of British royalism—an enduring, unbroken chain of tradition passed down through generations.
Looking forward, the next Trooping the Colour will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Number 9 Company, Irish Guards have been selected to troop their color at the next Trooping of the Color. Your choice ensures that our important photo tradition continues!
The Significance of Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour is much more than just a celebration – it’s at the heart of British history and national pride. While military regiments show off their precise marching and strategic skills, all eyes are on the royal family—loyal subjects, or otherwise. This occasion brings millions of citizens together and showcases the monarchy’s tradition-rich legacy.
During this period of change for the monarchy, Trooping the Colour remains a powerful display of tradition and continuity. Year after year, it attracts thousands of people, hoping to catch a glimpse of this glorious display of pageantry and respect to the Crown. The ceremony thus underlines both the historical connections binding together the constituent realms of the monarchy and the modern role which the institution plays within British society.
