The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is almost upon us and the bank holiday weekend kicks off with Trooping the Colour – the royal tradition dating back to the 17th century.
If the event’s rehearsals are anything to go by, it looks as though Prince William will be taking part in the procession on horseback this year, while the Queen is expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony with members of the Royal Family.
With lots of Jubilee events to take place over the long weekend, from the Platinum Jubilee Pageant to BBC One’s Platinum Party at the Palace, this is everything you need to know about Her Majesty’s upcoming birthday display.
How to watch Trooping the Colour
BBC One will be airing coverage of Trooping the Colour – which will see the 1st Battalion Irish Guards troop their colour on Horse Guards Parade to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday.
The three-hour event will be broadcast on Thursday 2nd June at 10am on BBC One – kicking off the channel’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
What will happen during Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour usually sees over 1,000 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians accompany Royal Family members down a crowded parade route from Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace.
This year, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards will troop their colour on Horse Guards Parade at the start of the special extended bank holiday jubilee weekend, with Huw Edwards, Kirsty Young and JJ Chalmers presenting live coverage for the BBC.
While Her Majesty the Queen usually takes part in a carriage procession, she will instead be appearing on the balcony afterwards, being joined by other members of the Royal Family.
Meanwhile, Prince William will be riding on the parade as a colonel of the Irish Guards, while according to some reports, the Duchess of Cambridge and the three Cambridge children will be appearing as part of a carriage procession.
Upon the Queen’s arrival, she will be greeted by a Royal Salute and the National Anthem, and the parade will commence with the Musical Troop as a Massed Band of the Household Division plays.
The Household Division and The Queen’s Colour of F Company Scots Guards will then be trooped, with the parade ending with a second Royal Salute and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery firing a 41 Gun Royal Salute.
Does Trooping the Colour take place on the Queen’s actual birthday?
No – Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday is on 26th April. Trooping the Colour is her official public birthday celebration, which dates back to 1748 when King George II combined an annual summer military march with his birthday celebration, despite being born in October.
Since then monarchs have had the option of an official summertime birthday, which is marked by a military demonstration and carriage procession in front of large crowds before traditionally ending with the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The Queen’s official birthday airs on Thursday 2nd of June at 10am on BBC One. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
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