Trooping the Colour facts for kids

Trooping the Colour is a special yearly event held in London, United Kingdom. It takes place on Horse Guards Parade and involves soldiers from the Household Division. This grand ceremony celebrates the official birthday of the British King or Queen. It's also known as the Sovereign's Birthday Parade. Similar events happen in other countries that are part of the the Commonwealth. In the UK, it's one of the biggest ceremonial events, watched by millions on TV and in London.

Long ago, regimental colours (flags) were important on battlefields. They showed where soldiers should gather and displayed a regiment's brave history. These colours are a main focus of the Trooping the Colour ceremony. This event has marked the King's or Queen's official birthday since 1748. Each year, one of the five Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division is chosen. They slowly carry their special flag, called a "colour," through the lines of other guards. As the flag passes, the guards salute it, and the King or Queen salutes it back.

During the ceremony, the King or Queen travels from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. They are escorted by mounted soldiers from the Household Cavalry. After a royal salute, the King or Queen inspects the soldiers of the Household Division and the King's Troop. About 400 musicians play music, including bands from the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry. After the colour is collected, it leads the march past the King or Queen. The Foot Guards march past, while the mounted troops (Household Cavalry and King's Troop) walk and trot past.

After the parade, the King or Queen returns to Buckingham Palace. They watch another march-past from outside the palace gates. Then, the King's Troop fires a 41-gun salute in Green Park. Finally, the royal family appears on the palace balcony to watch a Royal Air Force flypast (a display of planes flying overhead).

The King's Official Birthday Parade

Trooping the Colour in 1956

In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour is also called the "King's Birthday Parade." If a Queen is on the throne, it's called the "Queen's Birthday Parade." This parade first happened during the time of King Charles II (1660–1685). In 1748, it was decided that this parade would celebrate the King's or Queen's official birthday. By 1760, after King George III became King, it became a yearly event.

Queen Victoria only attended Trooping the Colour once, in 1895, at Windsor Castle. While some parts of the parade have stayed the same, the full ceremony we see today was set in 1889.

Why an "Official" Birthday?

King Edward VII's actual birthday was in November, which can be cold and rainy in Britain. So, he decided to hold Trooping the Colour in May or June for better weather. This parade usually happens at Horse Guards Parade near St James's Park, London. It's followed by a 41-gun salute at noon in Green Park and a flypast over Buckingham Palace. The royal family watches the flypast from the palace balcony.

Since 1959, the event has usually been held on a Saturday in June. In 2020 and 2021, a smaller version of the ceremony took place at Windsor Castle because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, it was held on a Thursday, June 2nd, which was the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. In 2023, Charles III had his first birthday parade as King on June 17th.

Watching the Parade

Trooping the Colour was first broadcast on BBC Radio in 1927. It was first shown on BBC Television in 1937. Millions of people around the world watch the parade live on TV. The BBC also streams it live on YouTube.

The King's Role

Queen Elizabeth II with the Duke of Edinburgh at Trooping the Colour, June 2012

Queen Elizabeth II attended Trooping the Colour every year of her reign, except in 1955 when it was cancelled due to a rail strike. From 1969 to 1986, she rode her horse, Burmese. After 1987, she rode in a carriage. In 1981, there was a small disturbance when someone fired blank shots, but the Queen and her horse were unharmed.

When she rode on horseback, the Queen wore a special uniform and her medals. From 1987 onwards, she wore regular clothes but still had the Brigade of Guards badge.

King Charles III (left), in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, is followed by William, Prince of Wales, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Anne, Princess Royal in 2023.

In 2023, Charles III brought back the tradition of the King riding on horseback and in uniform for his first Trooping the Colour as monarch. A flypast of about 70 aircraft also took place, which was originally planned for his coronation but had been cancelled due to bad weather.

Who Participates and How the Parade Works

A company of Welsh Guards, easily recognized by the leeks on their collars and five-button groupings on their jackets.

On the day of Trooping the Colour, the Royal Standard flag is flown from Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Building.

The Foot Guards

Six companies of Foot Guards, each with officers and soldiers, stand in an "L" shape around Horse Guards Parade. This formation reminds people of an old defensive shape called a "hollow square."

The company chosen to "troop" its colour that year is called No. 1 Guard. They are also known as the 'Escort for the Colour'. At the start, the colour (flag) is held by a small group of soldiers from No. 1 Guard. Once the flag is collected, it is carried through the lines of the other guards by an Ensign (a junior officer) from No. 1 Guard.

Mounted Soldiers

Mounted band of the Household Cavalry at Trooping the Colour 2007. The rider of the piebald (black-and-white) drum horse, working the reins with his feet, crosses drumsticks above his head in salute.

Along the edge of St. James's Park are The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. These include The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.

In the Royal Procession, the Household Cavalry are called the "Sovereign's Escort." They ride in front of and behind the King. The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals switch positions each year.

Parade Leaders

Three officers on horseback from No. 1 Guard give commands during the parade. The main leader is the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting (a Lieutenant Colonel). He is helped by the Major of the Parade and the Adjutant. The Garrison Sergeant Major of London District, who is not on a horse, helps organize the whole event.

Military Bands

Musicians of the Foot Guards marching along the Mall, June 2012

Almost 400 musicians are on the field, led by the Massed Bands of the Household Division. Music is a very important part of the day. The Foot Guards' bands have over 200 musicians. Since 2014, the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry also joins them. All these musicians are part of the Royal Corps of Army Music. There are also Corps of Drums and sometimes pipe bands from the Scots Guards and Irish Guards.

How the Parade Unfolds

The whole parade involves several parts done in slow and quick march times. The "Trooping the Colour" part is the main event.

• The King or Queen first inspects the Foot Guards, then the Household Cavalry and King's Troop. Music plays for each part.
• Then, the massed bands march past the King or Queen. A single drummer breaks away to No. 1 Guard.
• A special drum call signals No. 1 Guard to march to the center and get their colour (flag). The massed bands perform a special turning move.
• Now called "Escort to the Colour," No. 1 Guard slowly carries its flag through the lines of the other guards.
• After forming up, Guards Nos. 1–6 march past the King or Queen in slow and quick time.
• The King's Troop leads the Household Cavalry past the King or Queen, first walking, then trotting.
• Finally, led by the King's Escort, the massed bands play music as the King or Queen goes back to Buckingham Palace. The Foot Guards follow, and the King's Troop leaves for Green Park.

Parade Steps and Movements

The entire parade is overseen by the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, helped by other officers on horseback and the London District Garrison Sergeant Major.

Starting the Parade

Colour marker point marching at end of parade

Soldiers carrying marker flags march on to show where each guard company will stand. These flags are the company colours from each regiment.

The guards companies (Nos. 1-6) march into their positions, led by their bands. No. 1 Guard is the "Escort for the Colour."

• Nos. 1-5 Guards line up on one side of the parade ground.
• No. 6 Guard lines up at a right angle to them, forming an "L" shape.
• The massed bands are on another side, near the gardens of 10 Downing Street.
• A small group of three soldiers, the Colour Party, stands ready with the colour (flag). Its cover is removed, showing the flag to be trooped.
• The King's Troop, the Household Cavalry, and their mounted band line up behind the Foot Guards.

The soldiers' uniforms make for a very colorful sight. Other guards stand along the road to Horse Guards Parade to keep the area safe for the Royal Family.

The King Arrives

Carriage carrying the then Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, June 2019

Before the King, other senior members of the royal family arrive in carriages. They watch the ceremony from a window in the Horse Guards Building.

Elizabeth II riding to Trooping the Colour for the last time in 1986 on her horse Burmese. She travelled in a carriage of the Royal Mews for the remainder of her reign.

The King (who is the Colonel-in-Chief of these regiments) travels from Buckingham Palace on horseback, led by the Sovereign's Escort. Other royal family members, like the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal, ride behind him. The Queen and the Princess of Wales ride in a carriage. As the King passes the flag of the unit being trooped, he salutes it.

When the King arrives, the Royal Standard flag is raised on the Horse Guards flagpole. The King then gets off his horse at the Saluting Base to begin the ceremony. The Field Officer gives the command, "Guards – Royal Salute – Present Arms!" and the national anthem (God Save The King) is played.

Inspecting the Troops

The Queen inspects the foot guards, the Royal Colonels following her.

The King then rides along the long line of guards to inspect them, with other royal family members following. TV commentators often say how well the King knows his guards and how important "steadiness" is for a guardsman.

The music played during the inspection often includes a tune from the regiment whose colour is being trooped. For example, if the Welsh Guards are trooping their colour, you'll hear "Men of Harlech." The King rides past the Foot Guards, then the Household Cavalry and King's Troop. After the inspection, he returns to the Saluting Base.

Bands Marching

Massed bands of the foot guards, 16 June 2007

Once the King is back at the Saluting Base, the Field Officer commands, "Troop!" This is for the Massed Bands to start their march. The bands march in slow and quick time on Horse Guards Parade. During the quick march, a single drummer leaves the main band and marches to No. 1 Guard.

This drummer then plays an eight-bar "Drummer's Call," which signals the Captain of No. 1 Guard to get ready. The drummer then returns to the Massed Bands.

Collecting the Colour

In the centre, holding his sword and the Colour, the Regimental Sgt-Major of No. 1 Guard. Behind him, wearing a white flag belt, the Ensign waits to receive the Colour, standing in front of No. 1 Guard.

No. 1 Guard, now called "Escort for the Colour," performs the main part of the parade.

The Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM) of No. 1 Guard draws his sword. The Escort for the Colour marches onto the field to the tune "The British Grenadiers." This tune is always used, no matter which regiment is trooping its colour. The music stops, and the Escort halts.

The RSM marches to the Colour Party and takes the colour (flag) from the Colour Sergeant. He then presents the colour to the Ensign. The Ensign salutes the colour and takes it.

Now that they have their flag, No. 1 Guard is called "Escort to the Colour."

Moving the Escort and the Bands

The Escort to the Colour salutes as the first six bars of "God Save the King" are played. The soldiers at the corners of the Escort hold their rifles in a protective way for the flag.

The Escort to the Colour then prepares to march. The Massed Bands perform a special turning move called a "spinwheel." This is a 90-degree turn in a small space, done while playing the slow march "Escort to the Colour." This move is very complex and requires great skill.

Once the Escort reaches the edge of No. 6 Guard, the music stops. The Field Officer orders everyone to salute as the actual "trooping" begins. The music changes to "The Grenadiers' Slow March."

Trooping the Colour Through the Ranks

To the music of "The Grenadiers Slow March," the Escort to the Colour carries the flag down the long line of Guards Nos. 6-2. The Ensign carries the flag in front of the line of guards. The other guards stand at attention, which requires a lot of strength, especially on a hot day. As this happens, the Massed Bands move back to their original places.

Eventually, the Escort returns to its starting position as No. 1 Guard. The Captain takes back command of No. 1 Guard, and the entire parade is ordered to stand at ease. This finishes the "trooping" part of the ceremony.

Next, the Foot Guards, then the Household Cavalry and King's Troop, march past in slow and quick time.

Getting Ready for the March-Past

From front to back: Guards Nos. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in ranks of two.

The Field Officer gives the command, "Officers, take post." Guards Nos. 1 to 5 turn around and form up for the march-past. The Corps of Drums plays music. Once everyone is ready, the Field Officer salutes the King and tells him the Foot Guards are ready to march past. He then commands, "Guards will march past in slow and quick time... Slow march!"

Foot Guards March Past

Footguards march past in Slow Time at the Colonel's Review in 2008.

No. 1 Guard (the Escort) leads the six companies for two trips around Horse Guards Parade, saluting the King as they pass. They perform a complex turn at the corners of the field.

At the end of both the slow and quick march-past, the Field Officer salutes the King, telling him the guards have finished their march.

Slow March-Past

The Massed Bands march to the center of the field. The Field Officer and Major of the Parade lead the guards past the King, saluting with their swords.

Each of Guards Nos. 1-6 marches past the King to the tune of their regimental slow marches. Their officers salute with swords. No. 1 Guard, the Escort to the Colour, has a special honor: the Ensign lowers the colour (flag) in a "flourish." The King bows his head to acknowledge it, and the Royal Colonels salute. After passing the King, the flag is raised again.

The King and Royal Colonels acknowledge each company's salute.

Quick March-Past

For this part, the colour (flag) is at the back of the Escort (No. 1 Guard). Each guard marches past the King to their regimental quick marches. Officers do not salute with swords during the quick march, only with their eyes. The Massed Bands move away to let the mounted bands come onto the field. The Foot Guards finish their march and return to their places.

Mounted Troops Ride Past

Blues and Royals, one of the two regiments of the Household Cavalry, in their characteristic red plumes and dark blue uniforms

The Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry rides slowly onto the field, usually to the tune "Preobrajensky."

Now it's the turn of the Household Cavalry and King's Troop to complete two trips around Horse Guards Parade. For the horses, slow time means a walk, and quick time means a trot. Since 1997, the mounted group is led by the commander of the King's Troop, then by the Sovereign's Escort commander.

The Foot Guards salute as the mounted troops ride past. The order of march follows how the Sovereign's Escort is arranged for that year.

Walk-March

Salutes are given to the King, and he, the Queen, and the Royal Colonels return them as the colours pass.

The Royal Horse Artillery, with their guns, goes first, as they have priority over other units when on parade. When the King's Troop passes, the King acknowledges the leading gun as the colour.

Next are The Life Guards (in red jackets and white plumes), followed by The Blues and Royals (in blue jackets and red plumes). Officers salute with their swords.

At the back of the Household Cavalry are the farriers, one for each regiment, carrying their shining axes.

The two Household Cavalry regiments take turns each year to parade the King's Cavalry Standard. As the standard passes, it is dipped in front of the King and Queen and Royal Colonels, then raised again.

Trot-Past

A state trumpeter plays "The Trot" to signal the start of the trot-past. "The Keel Row" is usually played, and the horses kick up a lot of dust. Both the King's Troop's lead gun and the King's Cavalry Standard (not dipped) trot past the King and Royal Colonels, who are saluted.

As the trot-past ends, the mounted band salutes the King, with the drum horse riders crossing their drumsticks above their heads. They then move to the east side of Horse Guards Parade and stop.

Getting Ready to March Off

Members of King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, returning along the Mall

The director of music signals the Field Officer that the Household Cavalry and King's Troop are ready to finish the parade.

During the final Royal Salute, as all seven Household Division regiments offer their birthday wishes to the King, the colour of No. 1 Guard is lowered to the ground. "God Save the King" is played. The guards prepare to march off, and the Household Cavalry and King's Troop leave the field. The Field Officer tells the King that the guards are ready to march off.

The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery leaves Horse Guards Parade and goes to Green Park to fire a 41-gun salute. At the same time, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) gets ready at the Tower of London for a special 62-gun salute, which only happens on royal anniversaries.

Marching Off

Led by the massed bands, the King places himself at the front of his Foot Guards. The entire parade, with 1,000 soldiers and 400 musicians, marches up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. The marker flags are carried off the grounds. The King's Troop and the HAC get ready to fire their salutes as the Royal Family arrives at the palace. At the palace, the Old and New King's Guards also prepare to salute the King.

After the Ceremony

Balcony appearance by the royal family following the 2012 Trooping the Colour

Red Arrows flypast after the ceremony, 15 June 2013

When the King returns to Buckingham Palace, part of the Escort to the Colour enters the palace forecourt. The rest of the guards march past outside the palace gates, in quick time. The King stands at the central gateway and receives their salute. The rest of the royal family watches this march-past from the balcony.

The King then enters the palace between the Old and New Guards, who salute him and the Royal Colonels. The usual daily Changing of the Guard continues in the palace forecourt.

The gun salutes begin when the King arrives at Buckingham Palace. The King's Troop fires a 41-gun royal salute in Green Park, and the Honourable Artillery Company fires a 62-gun royal salute from the Tower of London.

Finally, the King and the royal family watch a flypast by the Royal Air Force from the palace balcony. This often includes planes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows. This is followed by the National Anthem, and in special years, a "feu de joie" (a celebratory firing of rifles) and three cheers for the King from the Household Division.

Regimental Marches of the Foot Guards

Here are links to the words and music of the regimental marches of the five Foot Guards regiments.

Slow Marches

• Grenadier Guards: "The March from Scipio", composed by Handel.
• Coldstream Guards: "Figaro" (the tune is "Non piu andrai" from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro).
• Scots Guards: "The Garb of Old Gaul" Lyrics and Music.
• Irish Guards: "Let Erin Remember" Lyrics and Music.
• Welsh Guards: "Men of Harlech" Lyrics and Music.

Quick Marches Music for all five regiments' quick marches

• Grenadier Guards: "The British Grenadiers" Lyrics and melody-notation and Music.
• Coldstream Guards: "Milanollo." This march was written for two young violin players.
• Scots Guards: "Hielan' Laddie" (Listen).
• Irish Guards: "Saint Patrick's Day" (Listen).
• Welsh Guards: "The Rising of the Lark" (Listen) Lyrics and Music.

Regiments Trooping the Colour

Since only one colour (flag) can be trooped at a time, each year one battalion from the five Foot Guards regiments is chosen.

Some battalions, like the 2nd Battalions of the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards, are "suspended." This means they are represented in the parade by smaller groups of soldiers. In 2022, two new groups, No. 9 Company and No. 12 Company, were formed. They continue the traditions of the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, which was suspended in 1947.

The number of soldiers in Trooping the Colour has decreased over the years. This is due to budget cuts and soldiers being busy with military missions overseas. However, the way the ceremony is performed has stayed the same for centuries, following old battle formations from the time of musket warfare. The 1988 parade was the last until 2023 to have all five regiments participate. In 1993, the parade was reduced from eight guards companies to six.

Related Events

The Colonel's Review in 2012.

Before the main Sovereign's Birthday Parade, the Trooping the Colour parade is practiced twice on the two Saturdays before. These are like dress rehearsals.

The Major General's Review

This practice parade happens two Saturdays before the main event. It's exactly like the Sovereign's Birthday Parade, except there are no soldiers lining The Mall. The salute is taken by the Major-General who commands the Household Division.

The Colonel's Review

This practice parade happens on the Saturday before the main event. The salute is taken by the Royal Colonel of the regiment whose colour is being trooped. This time, 250 Guardsmen line the route along The Mall.

Trooping the Colour in Other Countries

Trooping the Colour ceremonies also happen in other countries and territories that are part of the Commonwealth.

Australia

The RMC Duntroon Trooping the Colour ceremony, June 6, 2015, at Anzac Parade.

In Australia, the Trooping the King's Colour happens every year on the King's Birthday Holiday. It's performed by the staff cadets of Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra. The Queen's colour was first trooped there in 1956. The Governor-General of Australia, who represents the King, reviews the parade.

Bermuda

In Hamilton, Bermuda, Trooping the Colour is held on Front Street by soldiers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment. The Governor of Bermuda oversees the ceremony. At the end, the guards fire a Feu de joie (a celebratory firing of rifles), followed by a 21-gun salute and three cheers for the Sovereign.

Canada

In Canada, the Trooping the Colour ceremony takes place on Parliament Hill. It happens for the King, members of the royal family, the governor general, or a lieutenant-governor. It's often held on the King's Birthday (Victoria Day) or Remembrance Day. New colours may also be trooped when they are first given to a unit. The ceremony was first performed nationally in Canada in 1939.

List of Regiments Trooping the Colour in Canada

Ghana

In Ghana, Trooping the Colour is held every year on Independence Day, March 6th. Soldiers from the Ghana Army retrieve the ceremonial colours of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Flag of Ghana. The ceremony takes place at Black Star Square. The President of Ghana, as commander-in-chief of the GAF, takes the national salute. Bands from the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band provide music.

Jordan

Trooping the Colour in Al-Rayah Square, Jordan 2016

Jordan held its first Trooping the Colour in June 2016, celebrating 100 years since the Arab Revolt. In 2017, the Trooping of the Colour (also called the Flag Parade) moved to September and is now held yearly. About 1,000 soldiers take part in the parade in Amman, the capital city. Al Rayah Square was built specially for this event. The King gives the Colours of the Arab Revolt to one of the army's battalions, which keeps it until the next ceremony.

Regiments that Receive the Colour of the Arab Revolt

Kenya

Kenya is one of three African countries that still performs the traditional British Trooping the Colour ceremony. This happens every December 12th on Jamhuri Day (Kenya's Independence Day). Unlike the British version, all three branches of the Kenya Defence Forces take part. The President of Kenya takes the national salute.

Malaysia

Malaysia also performs Trooping the Colours every first Saturday in June, a few days after the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the elected Malaysian King. The King is the Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The Malaysian trooping includes many parts of the British ceremony. This includes a Royal Procession, a Saluting Base, a Royal Inspection, and gun salutes. The ceremony is conducted in Malay and includes prayers. One main difference is that five colours are trooped, representing all three branches of the Armed Forces. Also, some of the marches played are local tunes.

In 2014, the event was held on a Friday, which was a change from the usual Saturday. In 2016, an old tradition returned: if the celebrations fall during Ramadan, the parade is held before July 31st. In 2017, the Trooping the Colours was held in September. The old June date was brought back in 2019.

Malta

Because of Malta's history as a former British territory, the Armed Forces of Malta performs Trooping the Colour every December 13th to celebrate Republic Day. It takes place in St. George's Square in Valletta, the capital. The President of Malta, who is the commander-in-chief of the AFM, takes the salute.

Singapore

The Singapore Armed Forces performs Trooping the Colours during the SAF Day Parade on July 1st. It happens on special occasions and is a simpler version of the British ceremony. It takes place after the State Colours are given to the best units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Escorts to the Colour are usually from the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command.

The President of Singapore, the Prime Minister of Singapore, and the Chief of Defence Force take the salute. The Singapore Armed Forces Band provides music.

Uganda

The Ugandan Armed Forces performs a Trooping the Colour on Independence Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in the capital, Kampala. The President of Uganda takes the salute.

Rhodesia

On April 25, 1954, the Rhodesian African Rifles performed the first Trooping of the Colour in Southern Rhodesia. The Rhodesian Light Infantry trooped their Colour only once, on July 27, 1970.

Ireland

Before World War I and the division of Ireland, Trooping the Colour was performed every year on March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day. It took place at Dublin Castle in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Images for kids

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  Trooping the Colour, Horseguards Parade, Central London, June 2013