How to watch Trooping the Colour 2026

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The annual Trooping the Colour parade is back, marking the start of celebrations for the King’s official birthday.

In 2026, King Charles III will preside over his fourth Trooping the Colour parade as King, marking nearly four years since his coronation.

The event will be broadcast on BBC One and Two and is expected to be a spectacular display of music, royal grandeur, and impressive military formations. It will finish with the traditional flypast by the Royal Air Force and a viewing of the Royal Family on the palace balcony.

Michelle Ackerley reports live from where news is happening, while Clare Balding chats with special guest Gyles Brandreth.

Read on for full details about Trooping the Colour 2026 and how to tune in from home.

How to watch Trooping the Colour 2026

Clare Balding is hosting live coverage of the military display at Horse Guards Parade in London.

The coverage begins on Saturday 13 June at 10:30am on BBC One and iPlayer.

The parade is expected to last about two and a half hours, and the BBC’s live coverage will finish at 1:10pm. You can then watch highlights of the event on BBC Two at 7:05pm.

What is the schedule for Trooping the Colour 2026 and what time does it begin?

As usual, the Royal Family will kick off the festivities with a parade starting at Buckingham Palace and ending at Horse Guards.

Below is an estimated order of events for the day:

  • 10am – Troops and bands gather at the Horse Guard Parade
  • 10:45am – The Royal Procession leaves Buckingham Palace to travel down to the Horse Guards Parade
  • 11am – The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fires a 41-gun salute in Green Park
  • 11:05am – The Trooping the Colour and the Foot Guards march past the King
  • 12:20pm – The Royal Family take the procession back to Buckingham Palace
  • 12:55pm – Royal Family to assemble on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
  • 1pm – Royal flypast by the RAF

Does Trooping the Colour take place on the King’s actual birthday?

Contrary to popular belief, Trooping the Colour does not take place on King Charles III’s birthday.

Although his real birthday is November 14th, the monarch is officially celebrated with Trooping the Colour, a tradition that began in the 1700s.

You can watch the King’s Birthday Parade, known as Trooping the Colour, on BBC One and iPlayer this Saturday, June 13th, starting at 10:30am.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to important documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. Katelyn has a degree in Journalism.

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2026-06-12 16:04