Trooping the Colour 2025: Date, timings, RAF flypast and parade route for King's official birthday celebration
Trooping the Colour 2025, officially known as The King’s Birthday Parade, will take place on Saturday, 14 June 2025, in London.
Next weekend, the streets of Central London will erupt with the sound of pageantry, as the capital celebrates The King’s official birthday.
Trooping the Colour will take place on Saturday, 14th June 2025, with a parade and RAF flypast.
This grand military ceremony celebrates the official birthday of King Charles III and is a highlight of the UK’s ceremonial calendar.
Central London will be extremely busy on the day. Plan your journey and allow extra time for travel.
Here’s everything you need to know about Trooping the Colour, including timings, parade details, and more.
When is Trooping the Colour and what time is the flypast?
- Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025
- Location: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London
- Parade Start Time: 10:30am
- Parade End Time: Approximately 12:25pm
- RAF Flypast: 1pm over Buckingham Palace
Trooping the Colour parade route
The procession begins at Buckingham Palace, where His Majesty The King departs at approximately 10:45am escorted by the Household Cavalry. The parade travels down The Mall, a grand, red-surfaced avenue lined with Union Flags, leading to Horse Guards Parade.
Following the ceremony, the parade returns along The Mall to Buckingham Palace. The King takes a final salute at the palace gates before joining other members of the Royal Family on the balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flypast at 1pm.
What to expect from Trooping the Colour 2025
Over 1,350 soldiers, including the Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, will participate in the parade, accompanied by more than 300 musicians from the Massed Bands of the Household Division. This year is particularly special as it marks the 375th anniversary of the Coldstream Guards.
The King is expected to inspect the troops and take the salute, possibly traveling by carriage depending on health considerations. The ceremony concludes with a 41-gun salute in Green Park and a Royal Air Force flypast, viewed by the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Where to watch Trooping the Colour in London
Seated tickets are allocated via a ballot system, which closed on 24 March 2025. Successful applicants were notified by 25 March 2025.
Standing Tickets: Limited availability; priced at £10.
Free Viewing: Public areas along The Mall and the edge of St James’s Park offer limited views. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
How to watch Trooping the Colour on TV
For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast live on BBC One starting at 10:30am, with highlights airing later in the day.
Weather forecast for Trooping the Colour 2025
The forecast for London on 14 June 2025 predicts mostly cloudy and warm conditions, with a chance of afternoon rain. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 23°C.
A thunderstorm warning is in place for London on Saturday morning.
Whether attending in person or watching from home, Trooping the Colour 2025 promises a spectacular display of British pageantry and military precision.