Trooping the Colour - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Trooping the Colour is a traditional military ceremony that takes place in London, England, to celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch.
- 2. The ceremony dates back to the 17th century when it was used as a way for soldiers to familiarize themselves with their regiment's colors (flags).
- 3. Today, Trooping the Colour is a grand spectacle that involves over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians from the Household Division of the British Army.
- 4. The event takes place annually on the second Saturday in June, in Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace.
- 5. The highlight of Trooping the Colour is the "color trooped" ceremony, where the regimental flags are paraded in front of the monarch.
- 6. The Queen attends the event in her role as the Head of the Armed Forces, accompanied by other members of the royal family.
- 7. The ceremony also includes a flypast by the Royal Air Force, which features various aircraft flying over Buckingham Palace in formation.
- 8. Trooping the Colour is a highly choreographed event, with months of preparation going into the drill and music performed by the soldiers.
- 9. The ceremony is watched by thousands of spectators who line the streets of London to catch a glimpse of the royal family and the military procession.
- 10. Trooping the Colour is a symbol of the British monarchy's military heritage and its close ties to the armed forces. It is a colorful and patriotic event that showcases the pageantry and tradition of the British military.