Trooping the Colour Event in London
Since 17th century when Charles II was in reign, the event of Trooping the Color has been celebrated in London. The basic aim behind this tradition was to rejoice the birthday of British Sovereign. A fanatically colorful ceremony is scheduled in which the British regiments, along with their horses, present an outclass parade performance. In a large parade ground, Horse Guards Parade, the event is held which can be viewed live by the Royal Family, ticket holders and general public. A military band is also available, which has the duty to provide music to foot guards, along with the rest of the regiments riding on horses. In the present time, this royal ceremony has also been declared as the Queen’s birthday parade. Globally this formal procedure has acquired so much fame that the entire ceremony is covered live by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Visit: Trooping the Colour Event Website
Instructions
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History of Trooping the Colour Event
This majestic and extravagant ceremony is celebrated in the Month of June, on Saturday. The tradition was initialized because during war, it used to be a huge hassle for soldiers to recognize their regiments so the junior ranked commission officers steadily marched through the soldiers with their colors, so that regiments could easily recognize a foe and a friend.
In 1748 this parade was marked as the celebration of official birthday of British Sovereigns, and later on, The Queen’s Birthday Parade as well. This day also freshens-up memories of fallen soldiers and imprisoning of the enemy color. Earlier, the event was scheduled in different months but due to the weather conditions, King Edward VII moved the ceremony date to the month of June.
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How to Make your Visit Special at The Trooping the Colour Event
Besides Royal Family and eminent personalities, the parade can also be viewed by the general public. Though the entire ceremony is shown live on televisions, but people still gather in and around the Horse Guards Parade, Westminster.
You can give your kids a chance to enjoy this disciplinary service by taking them along, and they will definitely enjoy it.
In order to get more involved and showcase true love for the country and soldiers, you can bring play cards, hats with a British flag made on it, or you can also wear red attire which is basically the main color of the ceremony.
In this grand event that is bursting with pageantry, people will also avail the opportunity to see the Royal Family members who they have only been seeing on TV screens or news papers.
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Attractions of The Trooping the Colour Event:
The event starts with the march of a guardsman who takes a marker flag and positions it. The rest of the regiment follows along with the band and the Sovereigns two carriages. The arrival of sovereigns consists of the Royal family's senior members who grab the spot light.
Then the queen of United Kingdom is welcomed with a prestigious protocol. She inspects the foot guards, horse guards, king troops, royal horse artillery and the troops of household division.
When the queen walks settles in the designated place, the massed bands troop march in quick but deliberate movements.
From the balcony, Royal Family views the entire ceremony. When the parade ends, the queen returns to the Buckingham Palace and two new detachments of the Queen’s guard are welcomed by the Queen, with a guns salute.
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How to Purchase a ticket:
In order to get a ticket, you will have to apply for it in the month of January or February. The selected application will be announced in the month of March. If by any chance you are unable to get the ticket, then the other way to view the prestigious ceremony is by joining the crowd at the Mall.
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Date and Duration:
In the month of June the event is scheduled annually, but the date varies every time. In the year 2012, this prestigious event will take place on the 16th of June. The event will start at 10:00 am and it is expected to end at 1:00 pm. -
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Location:
This royal parade is held in the Horse Guards Parade which is the largest parade ground in central London. -
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Ticket
Every year applications for the entry ticket should be submitted in the month of January and February. In March, the names of the lucky guests are announced. Application should be sent on the address mentioned below:
Brigade Major, HQ Household Division, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX, United Kingdom. -
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How to get there:
By Tube:
From the Charing Cross Station it will take 7 minutes to cover the 0.3 mile distance till the parade ground. From the station you will have to initiate your walk in the northwest direction on Northumberland Ave/A400. Keep walking until you reach the roundabout. After covering 0.2 mile distance, take a left turn towards the Horse Guards Rd. For detailed instructions, you can take help from this link.
By Bus:
Trafalgar Square (S) is the nearest bus stop. In order to get dropped at this stop, take bus numbers 9 (Heritage), 9, N9, N18, N52, N97, N550 or N551.
