TL;DR
Trooping the Colour 2026 is on a Saturday in mid-June and marks the King's official birthday. The parade runs from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade and back. BBC One broadcasts live with full ceremonial coverage.
Trooping the Colour 2026 is set for a Saturday in mid-June and marks the King's official birthday. The parade runs from Buckingham Palace along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade and back, with senior members of the royal family appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony at the end of the ceremony.
What Trooping the Colour actually is
Trooping the Colour is the ceremonial parade that marks the official birthday of the sovereign. The colour, the regimental flag, is trooped through the ranks of one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in rotation.
The full title of the ceremony is The Sovereign's Birthday Parade. It dates back to the 17th century in earlier forms and has been associated with the sovereign's official birthday since the early 18th century.
Where the parade goes
Soldiers, musicians and horses leave Buckingham Palace and proceed along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade. The colour is trooped through the ranks of the chosen regiment, the royal salute is taken, and the procession returns along the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Senior members of the royal family travel by carriage and on horseback. The King has previously ridden on horseback as Colonel-in-Chief, with the procession including horse-drawn carriages for other senior royals.
How to watch in person
Members of the public can watch the procession along the Mall and outside Buckingham Palace for free. The viewing areas fill several hours before the start, so arriving early in the morning is essential for a good spot.
Seated tickets for the Horse Guards Parade ceremony itself are allocated through the Household Division ballot. The ballot opens months in advance through the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards regimental associations.
BBC One coverage
BBC One broadcasts Trooping the Colour live, typically from 10am to 1pm on the day. The coverage includes commentary on the ceremonial details, the music, the regiment trooping the colour and the royal family balcony appearance.
Highlights and full replays are available on BBC iPlayer for several weeks afterwards. The Royal Household publishes its own photographs and statements on royal.uk during and after the parade.
The balcony appearance
After the parade returns to Buckingham Palace, senior royals appear on the balcony for the Royal Air Force flypast. The flypast is operated by the RAF in cooperation with the Household Division and includes historic and current aircraft.
The balcony appearance is the only point in the year when the public can see this set group together. Working royals appear; non-working royals do not, which has shaped the line-up since recent changes to family roles.
Key facts
- Trooping the Colour 2026 is in mid-June.
- Route runs Buckingham Palace, the Mall, Horse Guards Parade and back.
- Public viewing along the Mall is free.
- Horse Guards seated tickets via the Household Division ballot.
- BBC One broadcasts live with iPlayer replays.
FAQ
When is Trooping the Colour 2026?
Mid-June on a Saturday. The exact date is published on royal.uk and through the Household Division's communications channels.
How can I get tickets for Horse Guards Parade?
Seated tickets are allocated through the Household Division ballot, which opens months in advance through the regimental associations. Public viewing along the Mall is free.
Will the King ride on horseback again?
The King has previously ridden on horseback as Colonel-in-Chief. Decisions about the format and the King's role are made closer to the date and published by the Royal Household.
Where can I watch on television?
BBC One broadcasts the parade live with full ceremonial coverage. Highlights and replays are available on BBC iPlayer for several weeks after the event.
