Trooping the Colour - Queen's Official Birthday Celebration in London

Display of Pageantry at Trooping the Colour Is Must-See Event in London

If you plan to be in London on the second Saturday in June, be sure to attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony, held as part of Queen Elizabeth's annual official birthday celebration. The idea of marching the regiment's colors by the troops as a rallying point dates back to the 17th century and has been incorporated into the British monarch's birthday celebration since 1805.

Trooping the Colour is English pageantry at its best. Over a thousand brightly clad troops and hundreds of horses march the parade route, which extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. Hundreds of musicians and drummers add to the excitement.

The ceremony starts at 11 am, when the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute as she drives slowly past the Royal Guards and the Household Cavalry. After the inspection, the Royal Family gathers at 1 pm on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flyover of RAF planes. It's all very impressive!