Trooping of the Colour: What exactly is it and why do the royals celebrate it each year?

In honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, we take a look back at the rich history of the event in all its amazing fanfare and glory.

Jun 01, 2022 3:34pm

By Chloe Lal

In honour of Queen Elizabeth's birthday, the annual tradition of the Trooping the Colour traditionally sees all our favourite royals out in action.

It's a time of high anticipation on any royal fan's calendar - from eyeing-off the specially picked outfits of Duchess Catherine and Meghan, to seeing the youngest royals grace the balcony and get up to all kinds of mischief.

And with the 2022 Trooping the Colour coinciding with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, even more excitement has been drummed up across the world.

There's always something light-hearted happening on that balcony!

What is Trooping the Colour?

The special event gives avid royal watchers the chance to see the modern monarchy in their element - big hats, bright colours, royal waves and all!

The event is one of the most spectacular days in the royal calendar and dates all the way back to the 17th century.

Trooping the Colour is performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies. In the past, it took place on battlefields and regiment's colours or flags were used as rallying points.

These days, Trooping the Colour is a celebratory parade in honour of the Queen's birthday - despite it actually being on April 21.

It is carried out by fully trained troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

Traditionally, over 1,400 officers, 400 musicians and 200 horses attend the grand event. The Queen herself travels by carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade across St. James's Park to inspect her troops, receive a royal salute and take a salute of her own.

The glorious event has been watched by generations of the Royal Family, invited guests and members of the public.

We take a look back at the royal family enjoying the Trooping the Colour in all its pomp, fanfare and glory.

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Due to the pandemic, Trooping the Colour was a much smaller parade took place at Windsor Castle in 2020. Several members of the castle staff and groundsmen were also spotted watching the parade take place from the windows!

(Images: BBC/Twitter/Getty)

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In 2019, the then one-year-old Prince Louis managed to steal the entire show with his gorgeous frantic waving from the balcony - already a natural!

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Of course, the same year marked a very exciting appearance from Duchess Meghan, who had just given birth to her son, Archie.

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2018 was a big year as it was Meghan's first appearance on the balcony.

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Never forget this cheeky moment when Savannah Phillips put her hand over Prince George's mouth.

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Little Charlotte wasn't too happy!

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The Cambridges were a balcony highlight in 2017.

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While Catherine and Charlotte were princess perfection...

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Prince George had his family in giggles with his unimpressed demeanor.

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In 2016, Princess Charlotte got in on the timeless tradition as the newest balcony inductee.

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Cheeky as ever, the royal siblings stole the show.

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The pageantry and spectacle played out in front of millions across the globe.

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George is astounded by the RAF flypast.

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Prince Harry can relate to his young nephew's boredom.

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In 2016, our favourite Prince rocks his dad's outfit, from Prince Harry's christening.

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In 2015, gorgeous George made his balcony debut at the historical event!

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The royal cutie stole thousands of hearts when he gave this wave.

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In honour of Queen Elizabeth's birthday the annual tradition of the Trooping the Colour ceremony - we will see all our favourite royals enjoying the spectacular event.

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Hats off to Duchess Catherine, who always looks elegant at the celebrations.

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The royals all ride in carriages to the event.

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The big day is a celebration to each British monarch's official birthday, although Her Majesty's actual birth date is April 21.

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It is carried out by fully trained troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

(Image: Getty)

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It is expected that over 1,400 officers, 400 musicians and 200 horses in tow, the Queen is paraded in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade across St. James's Park to inspect her troops, receive a royal salute and take a salute of her own.

(Image: Getty)