Trooping of the Colour brings together 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians each June in a great display of military precision to mark the Sovereign's official birthday. This year, it falls on Saturday 15th June.
The ancient ceremony, which has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years, represents the Army's allegiance to the Monarch and their country through pageantry. The King's actual birthday is on 14th November, but Trooping of the Colour is the official birthday parade.
What happens during Trooping the Colour?
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles will participate in Trooping the Colour 2024, but will ride in a carriage rather than on horseback.
According to reports, The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, won't attend the dress rehearsal on 8th June. It is not known whether she will appear at the event on Saturday 15th June.
Once His Majesty has arrived at the Horse Guard's Parade in Whitehall, he is greeted by a royal salute and then carries out an inspection of the troops.
Then, the military bands will perform and the escorted Regimental Colour, or flag, is processed down the ranks of soldiers. Once the Foot Guards have marched past The King, he will then journey back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers. His Majesty will be joined by other royal family members on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.
There will also be a 41-gun salute in Green Park to mark the occasion.
How can you watch Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour will be broadcast live by the BBC. It is set to start from 10am until 12.25, with the flypast scheduled for 1pm.
For more information about how to watch the Trooping the Colour Parade, and how to apply for places in the seated stands at the Horse Guard's Parade, head over to the Household Division's website.
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
