Guide to Trooping the Colour 2026: What time will the flypast begin?

Trooping the Colours is just 24 hours away, where over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians unite to celebrate the King's Official Birthday. Below, GB News has all the vital information to ensure you don't miss any of the event.

The spectacle, which has celebrated the monarch's official birthday for more than 260 years, will treat the King and Queen to a spectacular show of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare.

The tradition is believed to have begun all the way back in 1748, during the reign of King George II, whose actual birthday was in October.

He longed for summer celebrations due to the better weather, allowing for grander parades. Similarly, King Charles III's actual birthday falls on November 14.

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This year, the King's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, will Troop their Colour before His Majesty on June 13.

The official events commence at 10.20am and conclude by 12.25pm, followed by an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace at 1pm - often seen as the highlight of the afternoon.

The Massed Bands will feature over 300 musicians performing during the ceremony.

An additional 250 service personnel will line The Mall along the processional route.

Royal Family members will accompany the parade on horseback and in carriages as it travels from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

Crowds traditionally gather along the route, waving flags as the procession passes.

Upon the King's arrival at Horse Guards Parade, he will receive a royal salute before inspecting the troops.

The soldiers, all fully trained and operational, will wear their distinctive ceremonial dress of scarlet tunics and bearskin hats.

The Royal Family will then take their places on the Palace balcony to watch the infamous flypast as the formation soars overhead.

While the Ministry of Defence has not yet confirmed the full aircraft lineup, the display typically features around 29 aircraft.

Previous years have seen Chinook helicopters leading the formation, accompanied by a Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Red Arrows are expected to provide the grand finale with their signature red, white and blue smoke trails.

After crossing central London, the aircraft will head west through Hounslow and Feltham before continuing north over Windsor towards Northampton.

Those wishing to witness the spectacle in person can position themselves along The Mall or at the edge of St James's Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade from 9am, though views may be partially obscured by troops.

The Mall offers one of the finest vantage points for the flypast, though spectators are advised to arrive early as crowds begin gathering at dawn.

A 41-gun salute in Green Park will also honour the occasion.

You can watch comprehensive coverage of Trooping the Colours event live on GB News from 10am.

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