Coldstream Guards rehearse Trooping the Colour in 375th anniversary year

Almost 1,000 soldiers and around 200 horses from the Household Division have been rehearsing for this year's King's Birthday Parade.

The rehearsal, which is formally known as the Brigade Major's Review, took place at Horse Guards Parade in London in front of a private audience.

It was a chance to ensure the troops and horses from the Household Division meet the required standard ahead of two further reviews in public.

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These all lead up to the King's Birthday Parade, better known as Trooping The Colour, on 14 June, as members of the Royal Family, politicians and the public look on.

The honour to Troop their Colour – to march their ceremonial flag through the ranks – goes this year to Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards.

It's a special year for Britain's oldest regiment as 2025 marks its 375th anniversary.

During the rehearsal, which was reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Foinette, the Brigade Major of the Household Division, the horses and soldiers carried out a series of complex battlefield drill manoeuvres to music.

The custom of honouring the Sovereign's Birthday was first introduced in 1805, when the Coldstream Guards was already more than 150 years old.

Upholding tradition, maintaining standards

The task of ensuring the ceremony meets the exacting standards of the Household Division falls on Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Andrew "Vern" Stokes.

The GSM explained: "Rehearsals for the King's Birthday Parade are maturing well.

"What is delightful to see is the passion which each officer and Guardsman shows during our formal rehearsals on Horse Guards Parade Ground.

"They are enthused and want to deliver a world-class parade, and they are well on the path to doing so.

"The significance of the Coldstream Guards Trooping their Colour in this, their 375th anniversary year, is not lost on anyone. It's an historic moment none of us taking part will ever forget."

This year's parade includes a new piece of music called The Garrison in tribute to WO1 Stokes' 10 years of distinguished service in the role.

Gearing up for the main event

With the Brigade Major's Review now completed, the Major General's Review takes place this Saturday, followed by the Colonel's Review on Saturday 7 June and ultimately the King's Official Birthday Parade on Saturday 14 June.

All seven regiments of the Household Division will take part on 14 June with their Regimental Bands.

This includes the five regiments of the Foot Guards – the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, made up of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, will also take part, as will the mounted band of the Household Cavalry and the massed Foot Guards bands.

Also on parade will be soldiers from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who will also fire a Royal Salute of 41 Guns in Green Park.