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Trooping the Colour, a spectacular royal tradition celebrating King Charles III's official birthday, will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, featuring over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians in a meticulously choreographed parade that begins at Buckingham Palace and concludes with the iconic RAF flypast at 1:00 pm.

History of Trooping the Colour
The tradition of Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II (1660-1685). Originally, it served a practical military purpose—regimental flags or "colours" were used as rallying points on battlefields, allowing soldiers to recognize their units amidst the chaos and smoke of combat. The ceremony involved officers marching between ranks of troops with colours held high (the act of "trooping"), familiarizing soldiers with their regiment's distinctive flags.

In 1748, the ceremony was officially designated to mark the Sovereign's birthday, becoming an annual event after George III's ascension in 1760. The Guards regiments, who perform the ceremony, have served as the Sovereign's personal bodyguards since the restoration of the monarchy following the English Civil War. Though briefly suspended from 1811 to 1820 during King George III's illness, the tradition has endured for over 260 years as one of Britain's most impressive displays of military pageantry, symbolizing both the heritage of the British armed forces and the continuity of the monarchy.

2025 Event Schedule
Trooping the Colour 2025 will feature three ceremonial events:

• The Major General's Review - Saturday, May 31, 2025: The first rehearsal of the parade, primarily attended by military personnel.
• The Colonel's Review - Saturday, June 7, 2025: The second rehearsal, partially open to the public with tickets available for purchase.
• The King's Birthday Parade - Saturday, June 14, 2025: The main event featuring Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards trooping their Colour in the presence of His Majesty The King.

All ceremonies begin at 10:30 am at Horse Guards Parade and conclude by 12:25 pm. The King's Birthday Parade includes over 1,350 soldiers of the Household Division, 250 soldiers lining The Mall, and culminates with the Royal Family's balcony appearance and the RAF flypast at approximately 1:00 pm.

Ticket Ballot Information
The ballot for seated tickets to the 2025 King's Birthday Parade closed at midday on March 24, 2025, with successful applicants notified by March 25. For those who missed the ballot, standing tickets became available for purchase from March 26, 2025. Ticket prices for the main event range from £10 to £30 depending on seating location, with wheelchair-accessible tickets (including companion seating) available at the same price points.

For the rehearsal events, tickets can be purchased directly without entering a ballot:

• The Major General's Review (May 31) and Colonel's Review (June 7): Tickets range from £5 to £15
• No group purchases across multiple events are available—each event requires separate ticket purchases

If you prefer to avoid ticket costs altogether, you can join spectators along The Mall or at the northeast corner of St James's Park for a free glimpse of the parade. Alternatively, the ceremony will be broadcast on BBC from around 10am on June 14. For visitors planning to attend, Hotel Indigo London Paddington offers convenient accommodation with excellent transport links to the parade route.

Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo London Paddington
For visitors attending Trooping the Colour, Hotel Indigo London Paddington provides an ideal central location with easy access to the parade route. Situated just steps from Paddington Station, the hotel offers:

• Direct Underground connections to Charing Cross and Embankment (close to Horse Guards Parade)
• Modern boutique rooms with vibrant décor inspired by the local neighborhood
• On-site restaurant, Bella Italia Paddington, offering hearty breakfasts and all-day dining
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 fitness centre, and friendly concierge service for local tips and transport advice

Whether you're planning to watch the parade from the stands or along The Mall, Hotel Indigo London Paddington combines comfort, convenience, and style for a truly memorable royal weekend.