Palace: Trooping the Colour will not go ahead in traditional form

The annual event is a celebration of the Queen’s official birthday.

Published Mar 27, 2020

Last updated Mar 27, 2020

The Queen and members of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which this year will not go ahead in its traditional form, the palace has said. Victoria Jones/PA Wire

Trooping the Colour will “not go ahead in its traditional form” and a number options are being considered, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The event is the annual national celebration of the Queen’s official birthday and is traditionally staged during June.

It famously features a gathering of the royal family on Buckingham Palace’s balcony to acknowledge the crowds in The Mall.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge make their way along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade during the 2019 Trooping ceremony. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge make their way along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade during the 2019 Trooping ceremony (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Trooping also attracts thousands of spectators – friends and family of the soldiers taking part in the military spectacle – who fill stands around Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall where the event is staged.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “In line with Government advice, it has been agreed that the Queen’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead in its traditional form.

“A number of other options are being considered, in line with relevant guidance.”