London Drum

King’s Army Parade to Banqueting House for Charles I

King's Army Parade
Where? Banqueting House, Whitehall, Westminster When? 30th January 2025 March from St. James's Palace starts around 11.15 AM Ceremony at Horse Guards starts around 12 noon Price? Free to watch · See thekingsarmy.org Parking: Nearby car parks Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 159 Bus fares Trains: The closest station is Westminster Circle District Jubilee Other nearby stations: Charing Cross and Embankment Train fares

The English Civil War Society will be marching through central London to commemorate the martyrdom of King Charles I in 1649.

Around 500 of their members will be dressed up as soldiers from the King's Army, all clothed and equipped in Civil War style, to mark one of the most momentous events in English history.

March from St. James's Palace to Horse Guards

The English Civil War Society marching down the MallPhoto: thekingsarmy.org.uk
The English Civil War Society marching down the Mall

The route follows in the footsteps of the King's final journey from St. James's Palace to Banqueting House, where he was put to death on a scaffold in the street.

At 11.15 AM the army will enter the Mall and begin a slow, solemn march to the beat of muffled drums, carrying a wreath that 'Remembers His Majestie's Horrid Murder'.

The King's Army marching to Horse Guards ParadePhoto: thekingsarmy.org.uk
The King's Army marching to Horse Guards Parade

At around 12 noon they will reach Horse Guards and perform a religious drumhead service on the parade ground, during which they will troop their colour (parade their regimental flag), administer an Oath of Loyalty, and present some awards.

A small contingent will then march through the central arch and form up opposite Banqueting House.

Wreath laying and mass at Banqueting House

Banqueting HousePhoto: Craig Cross
Banqueting House

Prayers will then be said in front of the King's bust above the door, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. They will then head inside to take part in a special mass.

At around 12.30 PM another wreath will be placed by the King's equestrian statute on that little traffic island at the top end of Whitehall (in front of Nelson's Column).

They will then march back to St. James's Palace giving great shouts of acclamation to their martyred King.

We also recommend… If you enjoy Banqueting House then you might like to visit Guildhall (catch a tube from Westminster to Bank) and Mansion House (Westminster to Bank)