The name comes from showing a regiment’s flag (its “colour”) on parade. For visitors, it’s one of London’s biggest set-piece events of the year.
Key takeaways
- Grandstand seats inside Horse Guards Parade for the King’s Birthday Parade are given out by ballot (apply for up to four).
- Two rehearsals (the Major General’s Review and the Colonel’s Review) are very similar and can be easier to book.
- Recent official pricing lists tickets at £30 for the King’s Birthday Parade, £15 for the Colonel’s Review and £10 for the Major General’s Review (per ticket).
- Ticket holders must follow a formal dress code and pass security checks at entry.
Tickets: how it works
There are only so many seats in the stands around Horse Guards Parade, so demand is high. Seats for the King’s Birthday Parade are by ballot. Rehearsal tickets are often sold direct.
As of 2026-01-22, the official ticket site says 2026 tickets are not on sale yet. When sales open, you can enter the ballot for the King’s Birthday Parade and buy tickets for the two rehearsals on the same site.
Applying for tickets
When the ballot opens, apply online on the official ticket site: Trooping the Colour tickets (official box office).
You can usually request one to four seats. If you are picked, you’ll get an email with a deadline to pay.
Rehearsal tickets
The Major General’s Review and the Colonel’s Review take place on the two Saturdays before the King’s Birthday Parade. They look and feel very similar to the main event, but they do not include the balcony appearance or flypast.
Ticket costs and payment
Prices can change, but recent official guidance lists these prices per ticket: £30 (King’s Birthday Parade), £15 (Colonel’s Review) and £10 (Major General’s Review).
You pay through the official ticket system if you are invited to buy via the ballot, or at checkout for rehearsal tickets.
Entry and security
Entry is controlled and police may search bags and personal items before you go in. Items like knives (even penknives) are not allowed and may be taken away.
Follow the notes in your ticket email, and arrive early to allow time for queues and security checks. There is no parking or drop-off right next to Horse Guards Parade, so plan on using public transport and walking.
Dress code
The King’s Birthday Parade is a formal event. Ticket holders are expected to wear morning dress, a lounge suit, or a jacket, tie and trousers (or a similar standard for women). Denim, shorts and sandals are not allowed, and people can be refused entry if they do not comply.
Umbrellas and parasols are not permitted because they block views. If rain is likely, consider a light raincoat instead.
For the latest rules on dress code, entry and security, see the official guidance on the Household Division Trooping the Colour page.
Special tips for visitors from abroad
If you’re coming to the UK, check visa rules early and make sure your passport is valid. Book hotels and travel early, as mid-June weekends in central London get busy.
Tips for attending Trooping the Colour
- Arrive early: if you are watching for free along The Mall or near St James’s Park, get there by 9am.
- Know the rough timings: the parade often starts at about 10:30am, with the flypast around 1pm on the King’s Birthday Parade day.
- Wear comfortable shoes: even with tickets, you may walk and stand a lot.
- Pack smart: bring water and sunscreen. If rain is possible, bring a light raincoat (umbrellas are not allowed in the stands).
FAQs
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is a military parade that marks the monarch’s official birthday. It includes a march-past, music, and a flypast on the day of the King’s Birthday Parade.
How can I get tickets for Trooping the Colour?
Seats inside Horse Guards Parade for the King’s Birthday Parade are allocated by ballot via the official ticket website. Rehearsal tickets are usually sold directly when sales open.
How much do Trooping the Colour tickets cost?
Recent official guidance lists tickets at £30 for the King’s Birthday Parade, £15 for the Colonel’s Review and £10 for the Major General’s Review (per ticket). Check the official ticket site for current pricing.
Can I attend Trooping the Colour without a ticket?
Yes. You can watch parts of the parade route for free from public areas along The Mall and near St James’s Park. The best views inside Horse Guards Parade are reserved for ticket holders.
When do tickets go on sale?
Sale and ballot dates can change each year. Recent guidance suggests the ballot closes in late March for an event held in mid-June. Always check the official ticket site for the current year’s dates.
What is the dress code for the seated stands?
The King’s Birthday Parade is a formal event with a dress code. People can be refused entry if they do not meet the standard. Check the Household Division guidance before you go.
