When
10am, Saturday 11th June 2011
Where
Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall
The Queen’s birthday is marked each year with an historic military parade known as Trooping the Colour. The event traditionally takes place in June, after the Queen’s actual birthday on 21st April.
A royal day out
Trooping the Colour is one of the most famous royal occasions of the year, attracting thousands of spectators to Whitehall to watch the parade. This year the Queen's birthday is celebrated again and well wishers are expected to turn out in their droves to welcome the occasion.
History in action
What was originally purely a military ceremony has now become part of national heritage with Londoners and tourists alike lining the streets to see the colours and the impressive ceremony. The Trooping the Colour parade has been part of the monarch's birthday celebration since 1748, when Edward VII took up the salute in person.
Pomp and ceremony
Part of the traditional summer calender for the Queen each year, Trooping the Colour consists of a ceremony where the reigning Sovereign is greeted by a royal salute and carries out a formal inspection of the troops. After a musical troop has been played by the bandsmen, the regimental colour or flag is carried down the ranks and then the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry march past the Queen. Her Majesty then rides back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her guards before taking the salute from the palace.
A public celebration
The Queens birthday is on 21st April but it is tradition to officially celebrate the event on a day in the summer, when better weather is more likely. The 2011 parade takes place on the Saturday 11th June. The event includes a royal salute, live music and a full military parade.
Observation points
The deadline for applications to watch the event on Horse Guards Parade has now passed, but it is still possible to watch the processions to and from Horse Guards Parade along the Mall and the edge of St James's Park.
Trooping the Colour starts at 10am on Saturday 11th June 2011 on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall. The fly-past takes place at 1pm.