These 3 Items Are Banned From Being Worn at Trooping the Colour to Celebrate the Monarch's Birthday
Trooping the Colour is one of the biggest yearly events in London. Every June, the streets shut down for the massive military parade and Royal Air Force flypast. If spectators are lucky, they may get a glimpse of the British royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Keep reading to learn about the event.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the monarch for over 260 years. Although the event already existed, King George II set the date in June 1748 to coincide with his birthday and better weather. Now, it's tradition to celebrate the monarch's birthday in the summer, no matter when during the year they were actually born.
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Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians participate in the parade alongside members of the royal family, who traditionally ride in horse-drawn carriages or on horseback. The procession begins at Buckingham Palace and marches down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and back.
Once the monarch makes it to Horse Guards Parade, they receive a Royal salute and inspect the troops. After the soldiers show off a variety of their skills and expertise, they all ride back to Buckingham Palace. The sovereign is then joined by other members of the royal family to watch the Royal Air Force flyover. A 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park to mark the occasion.
2026 will mark King Charles III's fourth Trooping the Colour as sovereign. Before Charles' accession, his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended 67 parades during her 70-year reign, riding on horseback for 36 of them before switching to a carriage in 1987.
When Is Trooping the Colour 2026?
This year's Trooping the Colour is on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Who Is Appearing on the Balcony for Trooping the Colour 2026?
While the palace has not confirmed which royals will appear alongside King Charles, it's likely his wife, Queen Camilla, will be by his side. Charles' effort to keep a "slimmed down" monarchy means less of his famous family members will be on the balcony. In addition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer senior working royals, and Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of his royal titles and barred from events.
Prince William and Princess Kate and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will also likely be on the iconic balcony along with Princess Anne and possibly the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie.
Is There a Dress Code for Trooping the Colour?
While there are limited areas for public viewing, Trooping the Colour is mostly a ticketed event - and it comes with a strict dress code for ticketholders.
"This is a formal State Ceremonial Parade in the presence of His Majesty The King. Those attending are required to dress accordingly," the official website explains.
Men are asked to wear "morning dress," which typically consists of a single-breasted suit with tails and a top hat. Women are asked to wear an "equivalent" outfit and children should be "dressed smartly." Although hats are not required, they are highly recommended as a way to pay "compliments to His Majesty and the Colours as they pass." Absolutely no guests should be wearing denim, shorts, or sandals.
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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 8:27 PM.