Today: Trooping the Colour

Trooping the Colour June 1956. Credit: Wikipedia image public domain

Blogger: GemSen Will you be watching the Trooping the Colour processions today? The Queen may have already had her actual birthday on April 21 but it is traditionally celebrated publicly in June, every year by Trooping the Colour. This year the event also known as The Queen's Birthday Parade will be held today, 15th June. It all kicks off at around 10am and the processions can be seen from from the Mall in London where more than 1,400 officers and men with 200 horses and more than 400 musicians will go on parade as part of the ceremony. Watched by the Royal Family, invited guests and members of the public, Trooping the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. There will also be a fly-past at 1pm and you can even watch from the comfort of your armchair as it will also be broadcast live on the BBC. Tradition of Trooping the Colour This military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or 'trooped') down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers. Since 1748, this parade has also marked the Sovereign's official birthday. From the reign of Edward VII onwards, the Sovereign has taken the salute in person at Trooping the Colour. During the ceremony, The Queen is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops. After the massed bands have performed a musical 'troop', the escorted Regimental Colour is carried down the ranks. The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty, and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past. The Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais. The troops then return to barracks. Her Majesty then joins other members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony for a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. The Queen has attended Trooping the Colour every year of her reign, except in 1955 when a national rail strike cancelled the event. Source: http://www.Royal.gov.uk Watch a video of  Trooping the Colour 60 years ago.