The Colonel's Review

Origins of Trooping the Colour

Regimental flags of the British Army, historically described as ‘Colours', are consecrated and display insignia worn by the soldiers of respective units along with the unit’s Honorary Distinctions, or ‘Battle Honours’. Historically, the primary role of a Regiment's Colour was to provide a rallying point on the battlefield. This was vitally important because, without modern communications, it was all too easy for soldiers to become disoriented and separated from their unit during conflict.

For soldiers to recognise their Regiment's Colour, it was necessary to display them. This was accomplished by young officers marching between the formed-up ranks of soldiers with the Colour held high; this is the origin of the term ‘trooping'. What is today a great ceremonial spectacle began life as a vital wartime parade designed to aid unit recognition before a battle commenced.

The Foot Guards are amongst the oldest Regiments of the British Army and have served as the personal bodyguards of the Sovereign since the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 following the English Civil War. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of King Charles II (1660 – 1685). In 1748, it was determined that this parade should mark the official birthday of the Sovereign, becoming an annual event when King George III ascended the throne in 1760.

Although His Majesty The King's actual birthday is 14^th November, the spectacular ceremony of Trooping the Colour remains the single national celebration of the Sovereign's Official Birthday.

How to get there

Please note that Central London is expected to be extremely busy on Saturday 8^th June 2024. We suggest you plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time to travel. For the latest information on how services are operating, use the TfL Go app or visit www.tfl.gov.uk. Please note there will be NO parking or dropping off facilities available in Whitehall or the surrounding areas of Horse Guards for these events. Vehicles will not be allowed within these areas.

Arriving by Train:

The nearest Railway Stations are Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria.

Arriving by Tube:

The nearest Tube Stations are Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross, St James’s Park and Victoria.

On Arrival in Westminster area:

Depending on which stand you have been allocated, you will need to go through the correct security checkpoint as follows

- Stands A, B, C - via The Mall, Horse Guards Road (north) and Admiralty Citadel.
- Stands D, E, F, G, Wheelchair – via Whitehall and Horse Guards Arch.
- Stands H & J - via Downing Street and Treasury Passage (for the Trooping the Colour The Major General's Review and Trooping the Colour The Colonel's Review only). On the day of Trooping the Colour The King's Birthday Parade, stand G will access the same as Stands D, E,F (above) and stands H & J will access the same as stands K, L, M, N (below). - Stands K, L, M, N - via Birdcage Walk / Great George Street and Horse Guards Road (south) and Churchill War Rooms.

Limited toilet facilities are available please refer to (What to expect) section between stands C & D.

Please check the map provided on your ticket to view the entrance points for each stand. You must use the entry point specified for your stand. If you try to use an incorrect entry point you will be re-directed to the correct one, which will involve more walking and take more time.

Please arrive in good time (minimum of 50 minutes in advance) to allow for security searches. Children over the age of 2 cannot be admitted without a ticket.

What to wear

This is a formal State Ceremonial Parade. Those attending are required to dress accordingly.

As a guide, you should dress in a similar manner as you would for attending a wedding. Morning dress, lounge suit or jacket, tie and trousers for gentlemen and the equivalent for ladies (strictly no denim, shorts or sandals).

Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform or equivalent (with medals; no swords or sidearms). Headdress is optional but is recommended for paying the correct compliments to, the lead Gun, the Standard and the Colour as they pass, as well as giving the necessary protection from the sun.

Umbrellas/parasols are not permitted to avoid obstructing views.

Please also consider bringing a coat as the Stands are not covered and the weather can change during the course of the parade.

NON COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE WILL RESULT IN REFUSAL OF ENTRY.