❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Trooping the Colour returns for another royal celebration this year as His Majesty’s official birthday celebrations begin.
2026 marks King Charles III’s fourth Trooping the Colour as monarch, almost four years on since he was crowned King.
The celebration, which will be covered across BBC One and Two, is promised to be full of music, majesty and military precision, culminating with the annual RAF flypast and the Royal Family’s balcony appearance.
Michelle Ackerley speaks live to those at the heart of the day’s events, and Clare Balding is joined by 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 once again presents live coverage of the military spectacle from the Horse Guards Parade in London.
The coverage begins on Saturday 13 June at 10:30am on BBC One and iPlayer.
The parade will last for around two and a half hours, with the BBC’s coverage scheduled to end at 1:10pm. Highlights from the day will then be shown on BBC Two at 7:05pm.
What is the schedule for Trooping the Colour 2026 and what time does it begin?
As ever, the Royal Family will begin celebrations in a procession from Buckingham Palace to the 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.
His actual birthday is on 14th November, but Trooping the Colour marks an official celebration of a monarch, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century.
Trooping the Colour: The King’s Birthday Parade airs on Saturday 13 June at 10:30am on BBC One and iPlayer.
Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
