Trooping The Colours

It does draw huge crowds & is probably the best free show you will ever see. I would consider going to The Mall - anywhere where you can find space. It seems that the police release the barriers from the end of The Mall furthest from The Palace first & then 'walk' the crowd down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace - (following the event). By being at the 'far' end of The Mall, you should also be able to hear much of the military band music on Horse Guards Parade. Of course, some people will already be at the Buckingham Palace end of The Mall.

If it is raining, you will get some protection from the overhanging trees that line The Mall. If it is sunny, you will find it best to be on the St.James's Park side of The Mall so as to have the sunbeams behind you for viewing the parade.

Agree about finding a spot along the Mall. Do go EARLY, after the parade passes by enjoy being herded to the Palace so see the Royals and the enjoy the fly over. Read some of the posts on Tripadvisor for more intel. You'll love all the pomp and circumstance and be sure to chat up the Brits who are there to pay tribute to HM. They're lovely. Have a great time.

Just when I thought my daily itinerary while in London was all set . . . this seems like a must-see/must-do experience!

If you have time to go out to Windsor on Monday 15th June, I would suggest writing or calling (which I did) for a ticket to The Garter Ceremony,(instead of trying to see Trooping the Colours) it is a very impressive ceremony we could of reached out and touch all the Royals as they walked down from Windsor Castle to St. George's Chapel. Thousands of people go out to see the Trooping, some places are 8-10 deep, you will have to go out very early to get a spot where you can have a good view.

What is "early"for a spot to see the parade? I land that morning into Heathrow and hoping to go straight there but I feel it will be crowded by 9:30?

If you can't make it - the event will be broadcast live on BBC 1. Highlights will be shown in the evening on BBC 2. (Be sure to check if your hotel TV has the HD version of these channels. (Try 101/ 102/108)? Standard definition should be on 1 & 2.
http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk

Her Majesty The Queen, I stand corrected and have edited my post

I believe the actual parade starts at 9:30 with posting the colors at Horse Guard Stadium precisely at 11:00. I asked the original question, but there was no precise response - I understand early is 7:00 as crowds are 8-10 deep on The Mall for the parade.

Utube has prior year's parade and they look wowie zowie.. A prior response said it was broadcast in the evening on BBC, so I guess it will not be live to view on a pub TV during the event, Oh well. I might have to just settle for a pint and watch the rerun...

http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/calendar.htm. All the info you need.

I've been on the fence about this because we have so many other things to see in London and only four days, but after viewing the Youtube video I think we'll check it out. The website that Claudia linked to says the parade from Buckingham down the Mall begins at 10:00 and recommends securing a spot by 9:00. And, James, if you're still thinking about it, do check out the comments on Trip Advisor - best spot, if you're going to wait for the return rather than going to the Horse Guards Parade, is at the "corner" of the Mall and Spur Road. From there, apparently, you will be able to see them on the balcony when the Queen comes out for the fly by. I think we will try to snag a spot somewhere along the Mall before 9:00 am and then get on with our day after they move on to the Horse Guards Parade. It's worth a shot - how can I go to London and not see the Queen when I have the chance?

ppyneco, just like you, after viewing last year's on youtube, we changed our London plans to fit in the parade. We plan on getting to the Mall around 9:00, see all that we can until around noon, then move on with the rest of our day. Enjoy your trip!

I have been to Trooping the Colour, the Golden Jubilee, the Diamond Jubilee, State Opening of Parliament, and the Royal Wedding. If you REALLY want a good spot in the first row along the Mall, you will need to get there a lot earlier than 9:00am. Keep in mind some people may be spending the night along the Mall to have a first row spot! The only time I was able to get a front row spot and not be there several hours before, was for State Opening of Parliament. This is because it is mid week and most of the locals are working. Trooping the Colour is on the weekend, so will need to get there very early in the morning (like 6 or 7am) if you really want a front row spot to see everything! In my opinion it is well worth it! The Ceremony and Pageantry is the best you will ever see! This will make your trip unforgettable! Good luck and hope you enjoy!