Presented each year by Suzi Perry on the BBC, Trooping the Colour is often erroneously referred to as the Trooping of the Colour and is an event watched by thousands of people live and many more on TVs and online around the world.
It’s perhaps one of the most famous ceremonial occasions in the UK, and draws tourists from around the world, but just what is Trooping the Colour?
History of Trooping the Colour
Although it actually dates back further, Trooping the Colour has been carried out to mark the occasion of a monarch’s birthday since 1748 – currently Queen Elizabeth II. Members of regiments in the British & Commonwealth army gather on Horseguard’s Parade, outside Buckingham Palace in London and carry out manoeuvres for the Royal Family.
Though this is entirely ceremonial these days, when the colour was first trooped it involved flag bearers from each regiment marching through the soldiers, ensuring that they recognised their own colours so that the flag could act as a rallying point in battle.
Modern day Trooping the Colour
The way that the ceremony is now carried out, soldiers are inspected by the Queen and then the entire Household Division conducts a march past the queen accompanied by up to 400 musicians playing brass, pipes and drums.
After a traditional 41-gun salute, the Royal Family usually appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for a fly past by the Royal Air Force.
Though the Queen was actually born on April 21st, she celebrates her official birthday in June each year, and it’s then that the Trooping of the Colour takes place – often in high temperatures which mean that soldiers often faint during the parade thanks to their thick, heavy uniforms and the exertion of the day.
Suzi Perry talent agents in London
If you’re interested in booking BBC presenter Suzi Perry for your next event, she’s available to book through her talent agency and is a great choice as a master of ceremonies or to make a special presentation at an event you’re planning. She’s certainly no stranger to a little pomp and ceremony thanks to her involvement in the Trooping the Colour.
