By Jack James | June 13, 2026
The annual parade marking His Majesty the King’s official birthday took place today on Horse Guard Parade. His Majesty the King inspected troops from the Household and Guard regiments of the British Army. Followed by a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace to view the RAF flypast.
The Trooping of the Colour has its links back to the late 17th century during the reign of Charles II. During the reign of George II, it was decided the parade would celebrate the monarch’s official birthday and it became an annual event after George III came to the throne in 1760.
Each year more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians partake in the parade. One of Five of the Foot Guards; Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards are chosen to troop its colour. This year the Grendaier Guards are trooping their colours on their 370th anniversary as a regiment.
The parade route runs from Buckingham Palace, along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade and back again for the flypast. For nearly 260 years, the parade has been held, even during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A day filled with pride and patriotism, with thousands of people watching from the stands and lining the Mall to get a glimpse of the pageantry and troops. Members of the Royal Family also take part in parades, including on horse. The Princess Royal, who is the Colonel of the Regiment of the Blues and Royals, flanks His Majesty’s carriage alongside the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The parade ends with a flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows down the Mall and past the Palace with the iconic Red, White and Blue smoke in the air.
This is His Majesty’s fourth Trooping the Colour, with him inspecting from the carriage. Many people will have seen Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ride on horseback for many years (1953-1986) in her role as Head of the British Armed Forces.
His Majesty the King served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy as a jet and helicopter pilot, serving aboard naval vessels. Alongside many honorary military appointments, similarly to Princess Anne. The heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and qualified as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force.
The parade does not go without its critics, especially politicians from the hard-left. Including Jeremy Corbyn, Caroline Lucas and members of the Scottish Nationalist Parties due to the public expenditure, claiming it is a “costly royal celebration.” The campaign group “Republic” founded by Graham Smith have protested at the parade on several occasions claiming the day is “inappropriate”
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