BBC viewers who tuned in to watch the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2026, expressed frustration with the network's coverage. The annual event, marking King Charles III's birthday, took place in central London and featured a grand procession, music, horse-drawn carriages, and military personnel. Thousands lined The Mall to witness the spectacle, which culminated in a flypast over Buckingham Palace as members of the Royal Family waved from the balcony.
Viewer Complaints About Commentary
Despite the event's success, many viewers took to social media to complain about the BBC's presentation. Veteran commentator Clare Balding narrated the broadcast, but some found her commentary intrusive. One viewer wrote: "BBC need less yakking over the music and less cutaways #TroopingtheColour." Another fumed: "BBC making the mistake of talking over all the music #TroopingtheColour." A third added: "Surely the BBC could do better than have the monotone Claire Balding repeating the same facts over and over again." Others criticized former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, with one comment: "Jennie Bond sounding like it's a funeral lol talking about the glorious previous years."
Alternative Viewing Option
However, some viewers offered a solution. One advised: "#troopingthecolour you can watch on BBC iPlayer without any commentary, so you just hear the music and commands." Another fan praised the coverage: "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."
Anti-Monarchy Protesters
During the procession, the royals appeared to ignore a group of anti-monarchy protesters who booed as the King and Queen Camilla passed by. Campaigners held signs reading "down with the crown," and one person shouted "not my King." However, the Royal Family received loud cheers from crowds when they waved from the palace balcony.
The full coverage is available on BBC iPlayer, and highlights will air on BBC One at 7pm tonight.
