Incredible pictures show soldiers rehearse for Trooping the Colour
With Trooping the Colour fast approaching, rehearsals have begun in London.
A huge rehearsal has taken place in London for the King’s Birthday Parade, marking the first full run-through for Trooping the Colour 2026. The rehearsal on Saturday, May 30, took place in London and featured around 1,000 soldiers and 200 horses from the Household Division and King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, on parade in their full ceremonial dress.
The Ministry of Defence said: “The event allows Major General James Bowder, General Officer Commanding, London District and the Major-General commanding the Household Division to inspect the soldiers and ensure all timings, precision, and standards are perfect in this the first formal, ticketed public review.” Protest group Republic, which wants to abolish the monarchy, said on its website: “This is one of Republic’s most iconic protests, targeting the Royal’s balcony moment.”
What is the Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is one of the biggest events in the royal calendar. It marks the monarch’s official birthday and features a large display for the Royal Family and members of the public who line the streets. Military bands also perform at the spectacular event, with thousands gathering to catch a glimpse of the ceremony, which only takes place once a year.
(Image: LSgt William Farmer/MOD, / SWNS)
When will it take place?
The event usually takes place in June each year, and it’s traditionally on the second week. The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. This year, the King’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards will Troop their Colour in the presence of His Majesty The King on Saturday 13th June 2026.
(Image: Giles Anderson/MOD, / SWNS)
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Soldiers practicing for Trooping the Colour
An anti-monarchy group has said it will stage a protest on Trooping the Colour. Protest group Republic, which wants to abolish the monarchy, said on its website: “This is one of Republic’s most iconic protests, targeting the Royal’s balcony moment.”
(Image: LSgt William Farmer/MOD, / SWNS)
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Who will attend the event?
Senior members of the Royal Family take part in the occasion, with some participating on horseback and others parading in horse-drawn carriages. The highlight of the day comes when the Royal Family step out onto the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Red Arrows whizz overhead. Alongside the royals, the streets will be lined with Brits and tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the display.
(Image: LSgt William Farmer/MOD, / SWNS)
When did Trooping the Colour first begin?
The event dates back centuries and after it became an annual event in 1760. From 1979 to 2017, it was always held on the Saturday from June 11 to 17; however, in 2018, it was held on June 9 and in 2019, on June 8. In 1748, it was decided that this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760.
(Image: LSgt William Farmer/MOD, / SWNS)
