Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition which predates even the late Queen Elizabeth’s reign. And it’ll soon see King Charles III and Queen Camilla back on the balcony of Buckingham Palace – following their appearance with the the working royals after being crowned during May 2023’s coronation.
Each year, the time-honoured Trooping the Colour parade takes place as a way to celebrate a special occasion for the monarch.
But what exactly is Trooping the Colour all about, and why does it happen annually?
Here’s all you need to know about the event.
When is Trooping the Colour this year?
Trooping the Colour always takes place in the summertime – and in 2023 it falls on Saturday, June 17.
Otherwise known as The King’s Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour marks the monarch’s official birthday in June.
Note this is a fair few months away from The King’s actual birthday in winter, on November 14.
The annual celebratory event has taken place in summer since 1758, when thousands headed to the capital to partake in King George II’s official birthday celebrations.
What happens during the event?
During the parade, typically the monarch will usually inspect soldiers from the Household Division.
The term ‘trooped’ or ‘trooping’ comes from a tradition of the British Army – in order for troops to understand the different regiment’s colours, officers would march in-between the ranks of troops who stood in lines waving their colours.
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‘Colours’ is another way of describing the regimental flags of the British Army’s different units, and were used to help troops quickly identify their unit on the battlefield.
Each year, a different regiment’s Colours are trooped.
A 41-gun salute takes place in Green Park afterwards, followed by the highlight of the day for many – the royals taking to the balcony.
Trooping the Colour in 2023 will be The King’s first as sovereign, as last year’s marked Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
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