Key Points:
- The King’s Birthday Flypast is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025.
- Red Arrows and other military aircraft will fly over Romford and east London between 12.40pm and 1.25pm.
- The flypast will pass over Ilford, Barking, and Stratford before heading to Buckingham Palace.
- The official overflight of Buckingham Palace is planned for 1pm BST.
- Aircraft will then disperse westward over Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
- Weather may lead to changes or cancellation of the display.
- The event marks the official birthday of King Charles III and coincides with the Trooping the Colour.
- As reported by Charlotte Anderson of Ilford Recorder, the RAF has confirmed the Red Arrows’ participation.
Military aircraft including the Red Arrows will fly over Romford and several parts of east London this Saturday (June 14) to celebrate the official birthday of King Charles III, with the display culminating in a grand overflight of Buckingham Palace at 1pm.
What is the purpose of the King’s Birthday Flypast?
The King’s Birthday Flypast is an annual military aviation tradition held in honour of the British monarch’s official birthday. The 2025 edition celebrates King Charles III, continuing a ceremony that has spanned more than two and a half centuries. The event is aligned with the Trooping the Colour parade, which will take place earlier that morning in central London.
As reported by Charlotte Anderson, reporter at Ilford Recorder, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has confirmed that the Red Arrows will be part of the display. The full roster of participating aircraft has yet to be officially disclosed.
When and where can east Londoners see the flypast?
What is the full flight path and schedule?
According to the aviation schedule detailed by Military Airshows and reported by Charlotte Anderson of Ilford Recorder, the formation of aircraft is expected to be visible over the east London boroughs between 12.40pm and 1.25pm. The flypast will enter Greater London from East Anglia and Essex, sweeping over Collier Row and the top part of Harold Hill, followed by Ilford, Barking, and Stratford, before making its way to central London.
Residents in Romford, Redbridge, and other nearby areas are advised to look up during this window to catch the iconic display. The aircraft will pass over Buckingham Palace at approximately 1pm, where members of the Royal Family will gather on the palace balcony to observe.
Following the central display, the aircraft will disperse westward and northwestward across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Which aircraft are expected to participate?
Will the Red Arrows be included?
Yes, the Red Arrows, Britain’s famed aerobatic team, have been confirmed by the RAF to participate in this year’s flypast, according to Charlotte Anderson of Ilford Recorder. While an official list of all aircraft is still pending, past formations have featured:
- Chinook helicopters
- Training aircraft
- Air mobility jets
- Frontline combat aircraft
- RAF Voyager
- Historic planes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Red Arrows are currently marking their 60th anniversary and are expected to fly in formation with their signature red, white, and blue smoke trails.
Could the flypast be cancelled?
Yes. A disclaimer from Military Airshows and cited in Charlotte Anderson’s article for Ilford Recorder states that all flypast routes are approximate and may be subject to cancellation depending on weather conditions. Cloud cover, rain, or strong winds could impact visibility or flight safety, leading to changes or a full cancellation.
What is the significance of the Trooping the Colour and flypast?
The Trooping the Colour parade and flypast serve as ceremonial symbols of British national pride, continuity, and monarchy. The aerial display draws massive public attention both in person and via live broadcasts, including BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with highlights aired in the evening.
The flypast has been a part of royal celebrations since 1913 and has continued through wartime, jubilees, and coronations. It remains one of the few occasions where such a large and diverse group of military aircraft operate in synchronised flight over London.
How can the public best view the event?
Residents of Romford, Redbridge, Ilford, Barking, and Stratford are in prime viewing locations. The best vantage points are likely to be elevated open areas, rooftops, and parks with unobstructed views of the sky.
For those outside the flypast route or unable to attend in person, the BBC’s live broadcast and post-event coverage will provide extensive visuals and commentary.
