I posted about attending the Trooping of the Colour parade a while ago. It takes place on Saturday, June 13th. Someone kindly pointed me in the direction of getting my name in for the lottery and I did that, so thanks for that. I won't find out until April if I got it but I highly doubt I did, haha. Assuming I didn't, I know the general public can watch the procession on the mall before the actual ceremony starts. The procession starts at 10 a.m. How early do you think I have to get to the mall to be able to get a spot and see anything? Any advice would be appreciated!
Trooping the Colour is a big thing, but not really something locals will flock to, so it will be busy, but not crazy busy in my opinion. The mall is a huge road, so plenty of places to stand. Gut feel tells me that arriving just an hour before will get you a view. Both The Mall, and Birdcage Walk run either side of St. James's Park from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, make sure you stand next to the right one. I personally don't know the route, but considering the size of the event, it's more likely to be The Mall.