The Colonel's Review

Origins of Trooping the Colour

Regimental flags of the British Army, historically described as ‘Colours', 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 disorientated and separated from their unit in the confusion of battle.

Colours are the most precious item held by any regiment, and are the personal gift of the Sovereign, who presents them at a special ceremony in which they are consecrated by the unit’s chaplain. Thereafter, they are displayed in the officers’ mess or headquarters of the battalion to which they belong, and even today will accompany the unit on overseas operations. Draped over a drum, they serve as an altar for religious services in the field, and whenever they are carried outside without a case they are under armed escort and are saluted by all troops. When Colours are retired, they are ‘laid up’ in a consecrated place, which is why they will often be seen in churches and cathedrals – usually in places with a connection to the regiment in question. Once a Colour has deteriorated through age to the point at which it is no longer fit for display where it has been laid up, it is either buried in consecrated ground, or cremated. Visitors to the Guards Chapel will see a very large selection of Foot Guards Colours, and Household Cavalry Standards, some dating from the eighteenth century, and having been carried in battle.

A battalion has two Colours: the Regimental Colour (a Union flag for Foot Guards) and the King’s Colour (scarlet for Foot Guards). The latter is always carried on occasions when the Sovereign is present. The Regimental Colour will be carried for the Major General’s Review and the Colonel’s Review, and the King’s Colour for the King’s Birthday Parade. The same is true of the Household Cavalry, who carry smaller flags known as Standards, which have the same status. The Royal Artillery consider their guns to be Colours, which is why the lead gun of the King’s Troop is always saluted when on parade.

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 practice was established long ago of marking an ‘Official Birthday’ of the Sovereign in the summer to stand a better chance of good weather for the parade.

How to get there

Please note that Central London is expected to be extremely busy on Saturday 7^th June 2025. 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 and Standing North - 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 stands H & J will access the same as stands K, L, M, N (below).
- Stands K, L, M, N and Standing South - via Birdcage Walk / Great George Street and Horse Guards Road (south) and Churchill War Rooms.

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.

Limited toilet facilities are available, please refer to the What to expect section for more information.

What to wear

This is a formal State parade. Gentlemen may wear a morning suit, lounge suit or jacket (all with tie), and for ladies a smart day dress or skirt / trousers worn with a suitable top or jacket are recommended. Formal national dress is also welcomed.

Hats are optional but are often worn by both ladies and gentlemen for this event. If wearing hats, gentlemen are asked them to remove them when compliments are paid to Colours, Standards and the lead gun of the King’s Troop. Your stand usher will provide guidance for when this is necessary. Umbrellas and parasols may not be used: they frighten horses and obstruct the views of others.

Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform or equivalent (with medals; no swords or sidearms). They should be careful always to pay the correct compliments and may not remove headdress or jackets at any time. The uniform and all accoutrements must be in ‘good order’ – please seek advice from your unit if unsure.

Please also consider bringing a raincoat as the Stands are not covered and the weather can change during the parade. Shorts, and casual footwear are not permitted except where required for medical reasons, and denim is not permitted under any circumstances. We reserve the right to refuse entry to those who are dressed inappropriately.