Viewers have voiced complaints about the BBC's live coverage of Trooping the Colour, with some criticizing the commentary during the annual event celebrating King Charles III's birthday.
The ceremony, held in central London on Saturday, June 13, 2026, featured music, horse-drawn carriages, and military personnel, culminating in a flypast over Buckingham Palace. Thousands gathered along The Mall to witness the spectacle, which included members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony, notably Princess Catherine, who drew attention with her appearance.
Viewer Reactions to BBC Commentary
While the event proceeded without incident, some BBC viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the presentation by commentator Clare Balding. One viewer posted: "BBC needs less yakking over the music and less cutaways #TroopingtheColour." Another complained: "BBC making the mistake of talking over all the music #TroopingtheColour." A third remarked: "Surely the BBC could do better than repeating the same facts over and over again."
One observer noted: "Jennie Bond sounding like it's a funeral lol talking about the glorious previous years." However, not all feedback was negative. One viewer suggested watching on BBC iPlayer without commentary, writing: "#troopingthecolour you can watch on BBC iPlayer without any commentary, so you just hear the music and commands." Another praised the live broadcast: "Watching the red arrows and planes fly over Queen's Club Tennis and #TroopingtheColour in real time on both main BBC channels is just brilliant, can't beat live linear television."
How to Watch
The full ceremony is available on BBC iPlayer, with a highlights package scheduled to air on BBC at 7pm this evening.
