Trooping the Colour: The Queen's Birthday Parade

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Trooping the Colour is a military tradition which dates back to the early 18 century. It is a celebratory parade in honour of the Queen's birthday - despite it actually being on April 21 yearly. Marking the Queen's official birthday, this annual event features hundreds of officers, horses and musicians from the Household Division in ceremonial uniform.

This event is one of the most spectacular days in the royal calendar. This year's trooped colour is the first Battalion Coldstream Guards, which will be kicked off on June 9. Let’s join to experience a traditional ceremony full of military pomp and pageantry with Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade.

For many years, the Queen strutted her stuff on horseback, but these days she travels by carriage. Events normally begin at approximately 10 a.m. and after the parade, the royals will head back to Buckingham Palace for balcony photo shoots. There is usually a fly-past at 1 p.m. to wind things up.

Men in parade playing wind instruments, side view. /VCG Photo

You can watch the event along the Mall or from the edge of St James’ Park for free but you will need to arrive well before events begin at 10 a.m. to be far enough forward to get a good view.

2018 is a big year for the British royal family. It will be the first time for people to see Meghan Markle on the Buckingham Palace's balcony with her husband Prince Harry.

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