Trooping the Colour
Saturday 14th June
Come and join in the Queen's birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour.
Trooping the Colour is the official celebration of the Queen's birthday. Although the Queen's actual birthday is on 21 April, it is traditional to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday in the summer, when the weather is better.
Trooping the Colour involves more than 1400 officers and soldiers on parade, together with 200 horses, 400 musicians from 10 bands and the corps of drums. The parade of military personnel extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
Commencing at 11.00am, the royal procession arrives. The Queen takes the royal salute and inspects the troops. After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an RAF flypast. Make sure you're there too!
This military ceremony dates back to the early 18th century, or before. The colours or flags of the battalion were carried (or "trooped") down the ranks so they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers. The parade has marked the monarch's official birthday since 1748.
If you are visiting London to attend Trooping the Colour or looking to explore the city, why not stay at City Inn Westminster, conveniently located in the heart of central London with easy access to the West End, the London Eye, Tate Britain and many other famous attractions.