Trooping the Colour is a ceremony that is performed by regiments of the Commonwealth and the British Army. This ceremony is a tradition of the British infantry regiments that dates back to the 17th century. On the battlefield a regiment’s colour, or flags were used as rallying points. Other than honoring British soldiers past and present since 1748 the Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign, which is currently Queen Elizabeth II.
Trooping the Colour is held annually on Horse Guard’s Parade by St. James Park on the second Saturday in June. The audience of the ceremony includes the Royal Family, invited guests, ticket holders, and the general public. The ceremony is also known as “The Queen’s Birthday Parade” and is broadcast live on BBC. During the ceremony the Queen travels by horse and carriage down The Mall from Buckingham Palace in a Royal procession and is escorted by the household Calvary, also known as “Mounted Troops” or “Horse Guards.” She then inspects the guards after receiving a royal salute. The music during the ceremony is provided by the Mass Bands of the Foot Guards and the mounted Bands of the Household Calvary with a Corps of Drums and occasionally pipers. There is an approximate amount of 400 musicians on foot and on horseback.
When returning to Buckingham Palace the Queen watches a further march past the opening gates. After a 41-gun salute by the King’s troop in Green Park she leads the Royal Family onto the palace balcony for a Royal Air Force flypast.
Information found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trooping_the_Colour
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