Hello,
I have 4 tickets to stand and watch the Trooping of the Colour Dress Rehearsal at the Horse Guard reviewed by the Duke of Cambridge. A few questions:
1. Based on the description, it sounds like we will be standing for about 3+ hours. Is it possible to leave the venue if needed to use the restroom and/or 'leave completely' if necessary.
2. How early should we plan on arriving?
3. The description says 'formal dress' - does this mean a suit coat for males and dresses for women or would pant suits be adequate?
I am very sorry for the naïve nature of my questions - this is our first trip to London and want to follow etiquette as much as possible.
Sincere thanks,
RGS
Posted by
Yorkshire
1279 posts
Hi RGS -
Julie reminds me that it’s been exactly ten years since we attended the Trooping of the Colour so for what it may be currently worth, here’s our experience.
I wore collar and tie, slacks and a jacket with ‘proper’ shoes. Julie wore a jacket, blouse and skirt combo (that she’d previously worn to a wedding - that sort of outfit). Time obscures whether she wore a hat. I certainly didn’t.
There is a website which answers many of your questions and it is at:
qbp.army.mod.uk
Are you sure you are standing? I only ask because the temporary seats (bleachers?) in the UK are referred to as ‘stands’, although it does appear that actual standing is also available on Horseguards.
Get there early to grab the best positions!
Toilet facilities are limited and may be primitive and as far as I can ascertain, once the parade starts you are stuck for the duration!
Hope this and the above website are of some use!
Ian