Each year in the month of June, Horse Guards celebrate Queen Elisabeth II's birthday in a military parade called Trooping the Color.
This event attracts several thousand people who concentrate along the Whitehall, or for the lucky ones in the stands.
How to attend? And what are the good plans? Read more here!
What is Trooping the Color?
Trooping the Colour ou « hello to the colors Is a military parade to celebrate the Queen's official birthday. It takes place every year, on the 2nd Saturday of June at 11 a.m. sharp.
Although the Queen was born on April 21, her birthday is celebrated in June so that the climatic conditions are optimal!
During this parade, which has lasted since 1748, Elisabeth II reviews her troops, made up of 1400 men, 200 horses and 400 musicians.
What time to arrive to attend Trooping the Color?
For 2020, the Queen's birthday will be celebrated on June 13, 2020. The festivities start at 10:00 am and end at 13:00 pm. You are strongly advised to arrive at 09:00 a.m. if you are in the stands, and earlier for others.
What are the highlights of Trooping the Color?
At 11:00 am, the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrive by coach on the esplanade of Horse Guard Parade. The royal salute is given to the sound of "God Save the Queen" then followed by the review of the troops by his majesty.
The Trooping the Color ceremony continues with the Gun Salute. At 12 p.m., 52 cannon shots were fired at Green Park then at 41 p.m., 13 at the Tower of London.
At 13:00 p.m., the royal family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to attend the Royal Air Force flypast.
Can't attend Queen Elisabeth's birthday party? Nothing is lost !
The two Saturdays preceding the Trooping the Color ceremony, the troops are inspected twice. These rehearsals are conducted a first time by the Major General and a second by the Colonel.
What is the Major General's Review?
The Major General's Review is the review of the troops by the Major General. It takes place on the 2nd Saturday preceding the Queen's birthday, i.e. May 30, 2020 for this year. The parade starts at 10:00 am at Horse Guards Parade and lasts approximately 2 hours.
What is the Colonel's Review?
The Saturday preceding the Trooping of the Color is the June 6, 2020, the colonel reviews the troops. The review starts at 10:30 am at Horse Guards and lasts approximately 2 hours.
How to get a seat in the grandstand to attend the Trooping of the Color?
On the same principle as the Wimbledon tournament, tickets are obtained on the principle of drawing lots or bundles in English.
To participate in the prize draw, go to british army website between January 1 and March 1 preceding the celebrations. For each request, a maximum of 4 tickets can be applied.
Those selected will be notified by email on March 31 with a reference number to use to then purchase seats online, still on the British Army website.
The stands have a few seats for people in wheelchairs.
Finally, children must also have a ticket to go to the stands.
How do I get a place in the gallery to assist Major General's Review and Colonel's Review?
Tickets for Major General's Review and Colonel's Review are on sale at the british army website.
How to have a standing place for all magazines?
The sale of tickets for a standing place is open from March 2 and takes place on the british army website.
What is the price for a tribune seat at Trooping of the Color, Major General's Review and Colonel's Review?
Tarif Trooping of the Colour :
- Seating place in the grandstand: £ 40
- Seat in the grandstand for a person in a wheelchair: £ 40 - Free seat for the accompanying person.
- Standing space: £ 5
Tarif Colonel’s Review :
Seating place in the grandstand: £ 10
- Seat in the grandstand for a person in a wheelchair: £ 10 - Free seat for the accompanying person.
- Standing space: £ 2
Tarif Major General’s Review :
Seating place in the grandstand: £ 5
- Seat in the grandstand for a person in a wheelchair: £ 5 - Free seat for the accompanying person.
- Standing space: £ 2
What is the dress code for attending Trooping the Color, Major General's Review and Colonel's Review ceremonies in the gallery?
The public must be elegantly dressed otherwise they will be refused access to the stands. Wearing jeans is not permitted and hats, although optional, are recommended in hot weather. Without wearing a suit, you can dress in chic casual: shirt and jacket.
Where can I see the ceremony if I don't have a seat in the gallery?
If you haven't had a chance to get the precious sesame or haven't booked, you can join the crowds of spectators along the Mall or on the outskirts of St James Park.
How do I get to Horse Guards Parade?
Address: Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX
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