Trooping the Colour

“Trooping the Colour” is a ceremonial event held in the United Kingdom that marks the official birthday of the British sovereign. Although the King’s actual birthday is on November 14th, “Trooping the Colour” is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in June when London typically enjoys better weather.

The ceremony is a splendid display of pageantry that involves over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.

The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, with members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.

The event concludes with a fly-past by the Royal Air Force, watched by the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

The tradition of trooping the colour dates back to the early 18th century. Originally, the ‘colour’ (or flag) of a regiment was used as a rallying point in battle and was therefore displayed or ‘trooped’ down the ranks so that it could be seen and recognized by the soldiers. Over time, this practice evolved into a ceremony to honor the sovereign’s birthday.

Trooping the Colour & The Household Division

The Household Division is a group of regiments in the British Army that are directly associated with the British monarchy. Their primary responsibility is to provide ceremonial duties and guards for the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces. Here are the key components of the Household Division:

1. Household Cavalry: Comprised of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, these are the senior regiments in the British Army and are known for their distinctive uniforms and roles in state ceremonies.
2. Foot Guards: This group includes five regiments – the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards. Each of these regiments has its own unique history and duties but are most famous for their role in guarding the Sovereign and the royal residences, like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

The soldiers of the Household Division are also known as the Kings’s Guard. They perform the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a highly ceremonial and popular tourist event, where guards are relieved in a formal ceremony that involves a musical band.

The Household Division plays a central role in the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which is their most high-profile annual event:

1. Trooping the Colour: The ceremony itself revolves around one of the regiments of the Foot Guards. Each year, a different regiment’s colour (flag) is selected to be “trooped” across the ranks of guards.
2. Parade Participation: Members of the Household Division, including both the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry, participate in the parade. The Foot Guards are integral in forming the ceremonial troops who march and conduct complex drill movements, while the Household Cavalry provides a mounted escort, typically seen with their polished armour and plumed helmets.
3. Musical Contributions: The Bands of the Household Division play a crucial role, providing the musical backdrop for the entire ceremony. These include both mounted bands (from the Household Cavalry) and foot bands (from the Foot Guards). The music is not just ceremonial but also serves as commands to the troops during the parade.
4. Security and Ceremonial Guarding: In addition to their ceremonial roles, the Household Division also ensures the security of the event and the safety of the Royal Family and other dignitaries present.

In addition to their ceremonial duties, the regiments of the Household Division are active military units, participating in operational duties around the world. This includes serving in combat zones and participating in peacekeeping missions. The dual role of ceremonial duties and active military service is a hallmark of these prestigious units.

If you can’t make it to the main event there are also two reviews on the Saturdays before: Trooping the Colour-The Major General’s Review and Trooping the Colour-The Colonel’s Review. Tickets are here available for all three events.