One prime piece of pageantry you would definitely not want to miss out on while you’re in London during June is called the Queen’s Birthday Parade or ‘Trooping the Colours’ which isn’t exactly one of the military events, but rather celebrates the Queen’s official birthday. The colourful celebration is broadcasted live on the BBC, but you can also get an up close and personal look at the event by visiting London in June, which is when the parade is held.
1,400 officers of the British Army and around 400 musicians take part in the Queen’s Birthday Parade. Although the Queen’s birthday is on 21st April, it has become a tradition to celebrate the Sovereign’s birthday during June. During the colourful ceremony the Queen travels down The Mall by carriage from Buckingham Palace along with the Household Cavalry.
Getting Tickets
Those who are interested in making it to the ceremony can apply for tickets. Applications are normally submitted from the starting to January to the 28th of February, and only three tickets are allowed per application. There is no limit for the Major General’s or Colonel’s Reviews which are held just weeks before the actual celebrations.
Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for The Queen’s Birthday Parade are as follows;
- The Major General’s Review (Free).
- Trooping the Colour (GBP 30.00).
- The Colonel’s Review (GBP 10.00).
Dress Code
Although it’s a celebration, but unlike other military events, it does involve Her Majesty the Queen, so a dress code is expected. The dress code for the event in the stands is smart casual, while denims are strictly forbidden.
The ceremony is also attended by members of the Royal Family and is not something you would want to miss, especially if you’ve never experienced it before.