When it comes to hosting a full-blown, old-fashioned, pomp-filled pageant, the British monarchy does it better than anyone else in the world. And nothing is more ‘regal’ than Trooping the Colour—the King’s official birthday party (even if it’s not his actual birthday, don’t get into that, it’s tradition). 

In June 2025 (marking the 60th anniversary of the Mall parade), this year’s celebration is already promising to be epic. Whether you are a committed royalist, an onlooker for the clothes, or just along for the horses and the famous balcony wave, here is the ultimate preview of what to expect.

What Is Trooping the Colour, Anyway?

Rewind a minute. Trooping the Colour is not just a parade; it is a ceremony rooted in military traditions that date back to the 17th century. The “colour” refers to flags specific to a service called regimental colours, but at the start of the parade, it was to enable soldiers in battle to identify to which unit they belonged. Jumping forward to 2025,

Trooping the Colour is now an impressive showcase of skill, pageantry, and simple palace power. 

Every year, it includes more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, demonstrating an impressive performance of marches, salutes, and British pomp that is equally about national pride and royal duty.

Where Does It Happen?

Usually, it all begins at Horse Guards Parade in St James’s Park, London, with the royal family coming down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in horse-drawn carriages (yes, really). The Queen’s Guard lines the route, crowds spill onto the sidewalks, and you can’t move for red, white, and blue flags. Oh my gosh, talk about Instagram gold.

And don’t forget the RAF flypast, which rounds out the day, as the royal family is on the palace balcony waving and posing for those iconic family shots. It’s like military perfection meets The Crown meets Met Gala, but with fewer selfies and more marching.

King Charles III: His Moment in the Spotlight

This will mark one of the last Trooping the Colour events under King Charles III’s reign, irrespective of the way the monarchy goes over the next decade. As the monarch forges ahead with his “slimmed-down royal family,” this year’s Trooping may give us a taste of what the future holds for the Firm.

Expect the King to ride on horseback (yes, still riding) and perform the inspection of the troops, followed by a salute. Rumours this year say the King is placing focus on sustainability and modernization, so do not be surprised if the messaging is a bit more forward-looking with elements of green innovation or youth engagement cited.

The Royal Family Watches: Who’s in Attendance?

Let’s be honest. While the Trooping event is an awesome parade on the streets, one of the biggest draws of the day is who shows up and, of course, how they dress.

Here are the likely candidates:

• Prince William and Princess Kate will be front and center, assuming there are no new health updates from the Palace and Kate can join the festivities. Kate’s Trooping looks are widely considered style royalty, so all you royal fashion-watchers will be glued to your TVs.

• Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are now fan favorites for their mischievous balcony appearances and coordinated outfits.

• Princess Anne will be attending, as always wearing a serious military uniform, and as ever, she won’t make a fuss.

• Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend? Probably not, but the gossip will fly regardless.

Points awarded if Louis provides us with some adorable candid moments, and we get to enjoy Louis doing what Louis does best—updating the monarchy’s choir and displaying chaotic royal energy.

Fashion, But Make It Royal

Trooping the Colour is basically a royal fashion week. Kate rocks pastel coat dresses with matching fascinators, and Camilla is just a fashion icon in her tailored looks. British heritage fits with fashion culture. In 2025, there will probably be more British designers front and center, and I’m talking about some major designers like Alexander McQueen, Emilia Wickstead, and Erdem!

And the military uniforms, which all the royals wear, are definitely part of that too. Each royal wears their specific honorary regimental outfit—and yes, the actual medals are worn—so if you are really into gold braiding, epaulettes, and badges (of all types), this is your runway!

Trooping in an Era of Experiential Royalism

Some of us (mostly Gen Z and younger millennials) aren’t obsessed with monarchy 24/7. However, a well-produced, hugely photogenic, once-in-a-lifetime event like Trooping the Colour gives the royal brand some energy back—seeing all those royals gather on the parade route in the best of British fashion would stop the endless scrolling for a bit!

Trooping is already evolving, with more and more interactive, immersive (in the experiential sense) elements, like live streaming in 4K, or distant VR access, effectively breaking the fourth wall. When you add recent digital campaigns to broaden the family’s digital reach, it’s clear Trooping is giving the royal family a chance to evolve.

I’ve even heard there are plans to improve access to the parade route by way of lottery ticketing or reserve access for AI superfan content for those who travel to London but, for whatever reason, can’t make it to the Trooping!

Final Thoughts: Why Trooping the Colour is Still Awesome in 2025

Trooping the Colour may be hundreds of years old, and yet in 2025, it feels strangely relevant.  This is a traditional meeting spectacle, heritage meets high fashion, and a place where global royal watchers can get their, err, horses, harmony, and headline hits. 

Whether you are tuning in to witness the iconic flypast from the Royal Air Force, the parade of regalia, or just to get your glimpse of Kate Middleton’s latest sartorial choice – one thing is certain: The monarchy knows how to host a party, and we are all invited (celebrity-wise, anyway). 

So mark your calendars, shine your fascinators, and get out your Union Jacks – Trooping the Colour 2025 is about to give a masterclass in royal public relations!