By Daniel Jaffé

Published: Monday, 30 May 2022 at 12:00 am


What is Trooping the Colour?

Since 1748, the British Sovereign’s official birthday in June has been marked by the event known as Trooping the Colour. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and up to 400 musicians present a parade to mark the occasion. The parade processes from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, together with members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The parade ends with a now traditional fly-past by the RAF, which will be watched by the Queen and her family from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

This year, on 2 June, the Colour to be trooped is that of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Fresh new colours were presented to Irish Guards just last month by the Duke of Cambridge – somewhat belatedly since the regiment had been due new colours in 2019; this was partly due to the pandemic but especially due to the regiment’s recent extensive commitments around the world.