Trooping the colour

Although The Queen was born on 21 April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely.

Trooping the Colour is carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, watched by members of the Royal Family, invited guests and members of the public.

The custom dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th Century when the Colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point in battle and were trooped in front of the soldiers every day to make sure that every man could recognise those of his own regiment.

Over 1400 officers and men are on parade,

Together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. Some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade.

The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

This was actually the second rehearsal for the parade, the real ceremony, and the one that the Queen participates in, takes place on the 15th June.

On the way home we discovered The Boar's Head - a beautiful pub in nearby Herongate.  The weather was ideal for the beer garden and it was a perfect end to the day.