A week before Trooping the Colour, excitement is mounting among royal fans.
The occasion transforms the Mall as crowds line up the streets waving flags as 1400 soldiers parade alongside 200 horses and 400 musicians from Horse Guard’s Parade to Buckingham Palace.
Many fans treat today as a stirring preview of the majesty to come. The Colonel’s Review, a dazzling full-dress rehearsal steeped in pageantry, unfolds in central London, offering a taste of the splendour that will accompany His Majesty the King’s official Birthday Parade next week.
In their ceremonial uniforms, the British Army’s finest soldiers march with precision and pride as they rehearse for one of the most iconic events in the royal calendar.
Trooping the Colour is a centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign’s official birthday.
It dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in battlefield custom, when regimental flags, or ‘colours,’ were trooped in front of soldiers to ensure they could be recognised amid the smoke of combat.
Today, it has evolved into a grand ceremonial event featuring over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, showcasing the discipline, heritage, and pageantry of the British Armed Forces.
This full-dress rehearsal, rich with pomp and ceremony, serves as the final run-through before the King’s official celebration, though this year, it comes with an unexpected twist.
This year, the honour of trooping the Colour falls to the Coldstream Guards, who will officially present their regimental flag, known as the Colour, to King Charles III at Horse Guards Parade on June 14.
The Coldstream Guards are part of the esteemed Household Division, which includes the two regiments of the Household Cavalry (the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals) and the five regiments of Foot Guards (the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards).
Yet, today’s Colonel’s Review near Buckingham Palace holds a notable distinction.
Unlike their fellow regiments, the Coldstream Guards currently do not have a Royal Colonel, making them the only Foot Guards regiment without a royal figurehead.
As a result, this final rehearsal will unfold without the presence of a member of the Royal Family, marking a subtle but poignant departure from tradition.
The Colonel’s Review comes before the King’s official birthday celebrations on Saturday, June 14, including their traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.
It is identical to The King’s Birthday Parade, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride on the latter.
But while today’s Colonel’s Review follows the familiar rhythms of tradition, it comes with one quiet but significant change.
The Coldstream Guards, unlike their fellow Foot Guards, currently have no Royal Colonel.
As such, today’s rehearsal will proceed without a member of the Royal Family in attendance, a rare and poignant detail in an otherwise meticulously orchestrated affair.
Still, the spirit of ceremony remains undiminished, as plumed helmets, gleaming medals, and the stirring sound of military bands bring timeless grandeur to the heart of London.
Last year, following the announcement that Princess Kate was being treated for cancer, the Princess of Wales apologised for missing out on the key rehearsal.
The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to the Irish Guards, who were presenting their colours to the King, saying: ‘I hope I am able to represent you all very soon’.
Insiders emphasised that every cancer ‘journey’ is individual and sought to dampen speculation over whether Kate would attend key events in order to stop unnecessary pressure.
It meant the Princess missed what would have been her first Colonel’s Review.
The event is a dress rehearsal for Trooping The Colour and would have seen her take the salute as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards.
The letter said: ‘I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.
‘I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.
‘Being your Colonel remains a great honour and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole regiment, however, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.
‘Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.’
The Irish Guards later responded to the Princess’s letter on Twitter, writing: ‘The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning.
‘We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send her our very best wishes.’