Trooping The Color

Trooping The Color is an event held annually in London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday. It is the oldest and most colourful troop ceremony in the world, having been established almost 300 years ago. This grand military parade with over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians, takes place at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. As the royal family members watch from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on The Mall, the soldiers march past them in their finest dress uniforms accompanied by marching bands. Beforehand there is a 41 gun salute in Green Park and Hyde Park followed by a fly-past of up to 100 aircraft including helicopters, fighter jets and vintage planes. Later that day many people gather along the banks of River Thames for the “River Pageant ” which consists of over 1000 boats from all over Britain sailing down river past Tower Bridge. Trooping The Color draws thousands of visitors each year and is one of London’s most popular tourist events. An unforgettable experience for anyone visiting London around this time! Other luxuries to enjoy in London are a stay at the Montcalm Luxury hotels or a royal afternoon tea experience.