Trooping the Colour – The Queen’s Birthday Parade

 

Although Trooping the Colour is also known as the Queen's Birthday Parade, this prime piece of pageantry doesn't take place on her actual birthday (that's on April 21) but on her official birthday. It takes place in June on a Saturday.

Carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guard s Parade. Trooping the Colour is a military tradition that dates back to the early eighteenth century. Originally it was all about helping soldiers to recognise their own standard in the chaos of battle. Now it's an opportunity for some seriously impressive marching manoeuvres and an excellent opportunity for royalty spotting. For many years the Queen strutted on horseback but these days she travels by carriage. After the parade, the royals head back to Buckingham Palace.

Over 1000 officers and men are on the parade, together with two hundred horses. Oveer two hundred musicians from six bands and corps of drums  march and play as one. 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Comand of the Parade. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

You can watch along the Mall or from the edge of St James’s Park for free.

Student: Cristiano Santos, nº: 6 - 9º 2ª