Trooping the Colour 2022: when is it, what time is it, are tickets available and what is the dress code?

Trooping the Colour is just around the corner, with the event marking the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

It has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, although its roots can be traced back much earlier.

This year holds extra significance due to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee also being this year, the first time a British monarch has celebrated the landmark.

When is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour celebrates the official birthday of the Queen, and will take place on Thursday, 2 June 2022.

What time is Trooping the Colour?

People attending must be seated by 10am, allowing extra time for security checks.

What is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is a parade, performed each year by different regiments of the British Infantry to mark the official birthday of The Queen.

Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare.

Outside of the event, it is commonplace for the streets to be lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, alongside members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.

The event culminates in spectacular fashion, as the RAF perform a fly-past, watched by members of the Royal Family from a balcony at Buckingham Palace.

What happens during Trooping the Colour?

When the Queen has arrived at the Horse Guards Parade, located in Whitehall, she is met with a Royal salute before carrying out an inspection of the fully trained troops. In the past, The Queen used to arrive on horseback herself, but now usually travels via carriage.

After the military bands have finished their performance, the escorted Regimental Colour is processed down the ranks of soldiers.

The Foot Guards have marched past The Queen, and after that, she rides back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers, before taking the salute again at the Palace from a dais.

The Queen is then joined by members of the Royal Family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace where they get to witness a fly-past carried out by the Royal Air Force.

A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion.

Are tickets available?

Unfortunately, tickets for the event are all sold out.

However, the event is broadcast live on TV, with the BBC showing the event from the best angles, with arguably the best seat being the one in your living room.

Is there a dress code?

As it is a formal military parade, those attending are encouraged to look smart.

For men, a lounge suit or jacket, tie and trousers is acceptable, and the equivalent for ladies. No denim, shorts or sandals allowed.

The Household Division website also states that “Serving Military personnel may wear Ceremonial Day uniform (with medals) or equivalent.”

What are some things I should know before attending?

Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket, but must be sat on their parents or guardians lap during the proceedings.

• No pets are allowed, only guide or assistance dogs. 

• The parade begins at 10am and ends at approximately 12:25pm. 

• Cameras are allowed for private use, but no flash photography allowed as it may scare the horses. 

• Hats are optional but recommended to pay necessary compliments to Her Majesty. 

There is no parking available, with nearest tube stations being Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross, St James’s Park and Victoria.