Trooping the Colour---June 9, 2018, London

I was once in London on the day of Trooping the Colour. I arrived at the Mall several hours in advance and got to stand in the 2nd row on the Mall about 1/4 mile from Buckingham Palace. The crowd along the Mall watched the Irish Guards march to Horseguards followed by the Royal Family in carriages and on horseback....then we waited for them to return after the ceremony ended. Once the parade ended, in a most impressive orderly way, the police slowly allowed the crowd to approach the gates of Buckingham Palace. The Royal Family appeared on the balcony, and the Red Arrows (RAF precision jets) did a flyover along the Mall...plus a Spitfire and Lancaster bomber did a flyover.

During the parade itself, I do not know whether crowds 10 or 15 people deep stretch all the way to Horseguards. Thus, I can't say how close you can get to a good view of the parade route along the mall if you don't arrive pretty early. At the very least, you could head for Green Park to see the crowds, glimpse the Royal Family on the balcony, and see the Red Arrows flyover.

How early is early?

AND how often do you have the opportunity to see the Queen of England?

If you are checked into your hotel by 9am I’d make my way towards the Mall, Green Park or St James Park by the Horse Guards to see if you can catch a glimpse of the celebration. I have no clue what would be quadroned off but the steps from Waterloo Palace to the Mall might be a good spot to land. Google them.

Nobody does pagentry and tradition better than the Brits!

As far as pubs, the Rose and Crown is tradional pub.

Yes, you must see the Trooping the Colour - After you drop luggage at your Hotel, make your way to the Mall as soon as you can. (the road that runs from Admiralty Arch to Buckingham Palace) and try to get towards the Palace end if possible. The Royal procession will leave the Palace and go down the Mall into Horse Guards Parade. Wait about 45 mins or so and the procession will return up the Mall back to the Palace. The crowds are not nearly as bad as you are probably imagining. I have been a couple of times and was able to see the procession just fine (and I am short!) During the time the Royals are in Horse Guards parade, the crowd will shift (some will leave) - I would suggest you wait it out and be patient (as this is sometimes your opportunity to get a little closer to the front). I prefer to stand somewhere on the East side (opposite side to St. James Park). from a 2003 visit, I have a great photo of a young Prince William and Harry waving from a carriage, in front of Buckingham Palace no less, I proudly display this photo on my desk at work. I just love it and its a great conversational piece. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! Its not as tiring as it sounds - the crowds disperses quickly afterwards. You can take it easy in the afternoon and have an early night. You will be fine. Take a lot of photos.

Thank you, all! Your assistance is much appreciated.

Looking forward to London

it gets very crowded and you have to get there early for a decent view. The ceremony is always on television so I'd stay in and watch it that way, especially if its raining.