The British royal family remains a global fascination, and today, one of its most time-honored traditions takes center stage: the Trooping the Colour parade, held in celebration of King Charles III‘s official birthday. Although the monarch’s actual birthday falls on November 14, he has chosen to observe the occasion in June, following the longstanding royal custom of scheduling the ceremony during the summer months, when the weather in London is more favorable.

This year’s event will look noticeably different from last year’s. Due to his ongoing cancer treatment, King Charles III will not ride on horseback as he did in 2023. Instead, he will travel in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla, marking a more subdued but still significant presence.

In 2024, 14 members of the royal family appeared on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony. However, expectations for this year suggest that the number of royals participating may be more limited, reflecting both the King’s health situation and a broader shift toward a more streamlined monarchy.

Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial military tradition held annually to mark the official birthday of the British sovereign. During the pageantry, soldiers from the Household Division-including the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry-perform intricate drills and parades, culminating in the royal family’s appearance on the palace balcony to acknowledge the public and witness a Royal Air Force flypast

Trooping the Colour: Where to Watch

For royal enthusiasts around the globe, the event is accessible through a variety of platforms:

Television: In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming: International viewers can tune in via Facebook Live or YouTube.

Coverage: The parade will also be televised across the United States, Canada, and Australia on select networks.

Trooping the Colour: Event Details

• Date: June 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM BST (5:00 AM EST)
• Location: Horse Guards Parade, London
• Broadcast Platforms: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Facebook Live, and additional streaming services.

Brimming with vibrant colors, historical regalia, and royal tradition, Trooping the Colour consistently delights both those in attendance and the millions watching from around the world. It is a vivid reminder of the monarchy’s enduring appeal-an institution that manages to balance tradition with a modern sensibility.

Whether observed in person or via screens across the globe, the royal family’s grand ceremonies continue to generate headlines, stir public conversation, and enchant audiences with their spectacle and symbolism.

Prepare to enjoy a moment that embodies the best of Britain’s royal legacy: a blend of old-world charm and contemporary relevance that resonates across generations.