About Trooping the Colour:
Trooping The Colour celebrates the Sovereign's official birthday (her actual birthday is on 21 April). It has traditionally been held in June to try and enjoy better weather!
The ceremony dates back to at least the early 18th century when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or 'trooped') down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognized by the soldiers.
The Queen attends in a horse-drawn carriage and the regiments of the Household Division, her personal troops, parade in front of her. Over 1400 soldiers are on parade, plus 200 horses and over 400 musicians.
When:
2nd or 3rd Saturday in June.
2009 Date: Saturday 13 June 2009
Times:
As the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes 11am, the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute. After inspecting the troops and leading them to Buckingham Palace, the Queen appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at 1pm to watch the RAF (Royal Air Force) flypast, which is accompanied by a gun salute at the Tower of London.
Where:
The Queen inspects the troops at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, and receives the royal salute. She then rides in a carriage and leads the troops to Buckingham Palace. The Queen receives a salute and the troops then return to the barracks. You can get a good view from St. James's Park and along The Mall (the road between Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.)
Nearest Tube Stations:
- Westminster
- Charing Cross
Tickets:
No ticket required - just get there early.
You can apply for tickets for the seated stands in January and February.
You can apply for tickets for the seated stands in January and February.
Trooping the Colour Photos:
