The Queen’s Official Birthday Parade

‘AKA Trooping the Colour’

Those planning a visit to London this summer may want to take their trip in June so that they can watch the ceremony of Trooping the Colour.

The origins of the ceremony can be traced back to the early 18th century, when guards and sentries being posted outside the royal palaces were mounted on the parade ground close to the Horse Guards building.

During this time, the colours of the battalion were passed – or trooped – down the ranks, in order for soldiers to recognise them and in 1748 it was decided that the event should take place annually to commemorate the birthday of the Sovereign

June 12th

This year is marked as the Queen’s official birthday and always takes place during a Saturday in the month, despite Her Majesty actually having been born on April 21st.

The Queen still celebrates her Actual Birthday with a Gun Salute

The Monarch, who turns 84 in 2010, will be in attendance at the annual parade by troops from the Household Division.

Members of the Royal family and invited guests are also in the audience, as well as the public.

Crowds are set to gather along the Mall to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty during the event, with millions more worldwide expected to watch on television.

The spectacle occurs at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall and dates back at least as far back as 1748 as a celebration of the ruler’s official birthday, with the Royal salute of the colours (flags) and inspection of the battalion taken by the Sovereign at Buckingham Palace.

Trooping the Colour is traditionally followed by a fly-past by the Royal Air Force, which is watched by the Royals from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

Generator hostel London to Horse Guards Parade