Trooping the Colour in London

When we began our sabbatical travels over a year ago, we sat down with our two daughters and took turns sticking pins in a map of Europe for all the places we’d like to visit. Our six-year-old wanted to see the Queen of England! We did agree to go to London, but we cautiously managed expectations that seeing the Queen was doubtful.

You can image our excitement then when we found ourselves in London during the annual Trooping the Colour. This impressive parade and London event is held on the Queen’s official birthday each June. The ceremony dates back to the early 18th century when the flags or colours of the battalion were carried or trooped down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognized by the soldiers.


As the clock on the Horse Guards Building struck precisely eleven, the royal procession started. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians paraded down the mall on the beautiful, sunny London morning. My daughter waved her British flag as the royal family proceeded by in their carriages. Princes William and Harry, Camilla, and then Queen Elizabeth herself! We couldn’t have expected more!

For more ideas with your kids in Britain and Ireland, Buy AA Days Out Guide 2009. I found it useful for family day trips or long weekends throughout the United Kingdom.