Every June, as summer settles over the city, London rolls out a red carpet (well technically The Mall) for one of the most time-honoured and long awaited events in the British Calendar - Trooping the Colour. Think immaculate uniforms, perfectly synced marching and the energy of military bands - all to celebrate The King’s official birthday. 

But what exactly is Trooping the Colour, and why do thousands of people flock every year to watch it? 

We’ve got the lowdown for you right here: 

The Trooping the Colour parade is effectively the national birthday party for the monarch. It’s a day of celebration with years of history layered in, and a big and brilliant show of national pride. From marching bands to military fanfare (and a cheeky wave from the Royal balcony), it’s a time for the country to come together and share their patriotic spirit!

Just as the nation gathers each June to honour centuries of tradition with Trooping the Colour. That same spirit of history and tradition lives on in our 1837 Club.

Open to all and free to join, the 1837 Club offers exclusive perks and savings across our family-run hotels, restaurants and bars in central London: 

So whether you're here to witness a royal parade or simply soak up the city, you're not just visiting, you’re part of

In the military world “colours” are the flags representing units within the army, which were used to help soldiers identify their troops amidst the chaos of the battlefield. These Colours would be regularly displayed to remind soldiers of their unit, and it was this act of displaying and marching the flag where the name Trooping the Colour originated from.

It went from a battlefield necessity to a significant part of British tradition and culture.

You might be thinking, it’s 2025 and how is this tradition still relevant to the time? It isn’t just about the marching bands and military, It’s also a symbol of continuity, that through decades of change - new governments, new monarchs, new TikTok trends - this ceremony continues to march on - quite literally! 

Much like Imperial London Hotels, which has been welcoming guests since 1837 (the same year Queen Victoria took the throne!) This event is all about honouring the past whilst staying proudly present, and trust us, our hotels have seen centuries of history unravel right here in Bloomsbury, this tradition still matters.

Plus, where else can you see 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and a royal or two strolling down The Mall? Exactly.

Why is it in June instead of November when the King’s actual birthday is? The simple answer: British Weather.

Standing outside for a couple hours in drizzling rain isn’t anyone’s idea of a great time. That's why King George II, who also was born in November, decided to move his birthday party to sunnier skies back in 1748 - who can blame him to be fair. It was from this point on, the monarch’s “official birthday” has been celebrated on the second Saturday of June every year since.

Queen Victoria really embraced the full ceremonial magic of it all and turned it into a national event. And of course, Queen Elizabeth II attended every single Trooping the Colour during her reign, bar one due to illness, showing how deeply embedded this tradition is in the Royal calendar, and we can still expect to see The King keep the tradition alive in Trooping the Colour 2025.

And when the marching ends and the sun is still high, there’s no better way to keep the celebration going than by indulging in another timeless British tradition: Afternoon Tea. Imperial London Hotels in Bloomsbury offer a deliciously relaxed setting to unwind.

Join us at the Bedford or Morton Hotels to savour freshly baked scones, dainty sandwiches, and rich, fragrant teas, because if Britain has perfected anything, it’s afternoon tea. 

There are a couple ways you can watch Trooping the Colour: 

Top Tips:

Planning on staying whilst visiting for Trooping the Colour 2025? Imperial London Hotels offers very convenient access to the parade perfectly located nearby stations. Our range of hotels in Bloomsbury has you right around the corner from the parade route and best viewing spots. Comfy beds, tasty food, and brilliant hospitality make you feel at home basically living like a royal without the crown, so why not stay with us and enjoy a Royal treatment without needing a crown.

All of our properties are close to major transport hubs such as Kings Cross, Euston and Russell Square, making for a perfect base during your stay. 

Whether you’re a royalist, history buff or simply happen to be in town at the same time, Trooping the Colour is one of those iconic and unforgettable London moments. Where else can you get a national birthday party with horses, bands and some royal glamour?