ROYAL BIRTHDAY
What is Trooping the Colour, when’s the Queen’s official birthday parade and do you need a ticket to watch it?
THOUSANDS watch the Trooping the Colour parade at Buckingham Palace - held every year to celebrate the Queen's Birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II has never missed the occasion. Read on to find out if you need a ticket to watch it...
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What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is an annual event that dates back to Charles II in the 17th century when regiment colours were trooped in front of soldiers so they could recognise their unit in battle.
The Queen has taken the salute every year since her coronation in 1953, apart from 1955 when there was a national rail strike.
When is Trooping the Colour 2018?
Trooping the Colour is traditionally held on the second Saturday of June.
Trooping the Colour 2018 took place on June 9.
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At around 9.15am, Household Guards troops began to form, but the Queen didn't leave Buckingham Palace until around 10.45am.
She then took a Royal salute from officers and inspect the troops before the Regimental Colour (flag) is carried down the ranks.
After Foot Guards, the Household Cavalry, The King's Troop and Royal Horse Artillery troop past, the Queen heads back to Buckingham Palace to the balcony for the Royal Air Force fly-past.
What is the Queen's birthday parade?
The royal occasion is also known as The Queen’s Birthday Parade.
The day kicks off with an impressive pageantry parade which includes her personal troops, the Household Division and Horse Guards.
Usually the Queen rides in a carriage before inspecting the troops and taking a salute from the officers and men on parade.
The Queen traditionally has two birthdays, her actual birthday and an official birthday marked every summer by the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
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How can I watch the Queen's birthday parade?
Members of the public are advised to stand on The Mall or on the edge of St James's Park which overlooks Horse Guards.
The parade will be broadcast live on the BBC.
Tickets, each priced £35, are no longer available for this year's event.
The dress code is morning or lounge dress, but strictly no denim.
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