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Trooping the Colour

With over 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses all on parade, the Trooping of the Colour ceremony marks the Queen's official birthday. (She is fortunate enough to be able to celebrate her actual birthday as well, on 12th April).

The ceremony dates back to 18th Century, when the "Colour", or military flag, was "trooped", or paraded, in front of the battalion so that it could be recognised. This was an important requirement on the battlefields of the 17th and 18th centuries. Nowadays, of course, its significance is entirely ceremonial and Her Majesty attends in an open carriage and presents the new Colour to the battalion. You will get the best views of the ceremony from St James' Park and the Mall,