I marched around on the Troop loads of times. It was emotional, especially in the rain when the bearskin drops down and compresses your cranium! I exchanged it for one much too big and lined it with sponges so it wouldn't wobble! I used to cry a little whilst stood to attention at military funerals especially in Oosterbeek when farmers found soldiers' remains. I shook hands with and said "thank you Sir" to Henry Allingham, one of the last living WW1 survivors. I played the last post on Remembrance Sunday in Kabul...Those two experiences are unforgettable and I still feel so proud 🇬🇧
Back in 75 as a young lad, came to this country with nothing, and still have nothing, but one thing that I got and I am very proud of, is my British Citizenship, and I love anything to do with royalty and watching this makes me even more proud to be British.
nobody does pomp or circumstance like the british , they might look pretty to watch parading around , but they are also some of the best fighting soldiers in the world .
The “Colour” is very important to guards regiments. It’s issued to them by the reigning monarch at the time and has their crest and all of their battle honours on it, it used to be that a Guards Regiment would only be recognised as such once it had its Colour issued. It was used as a rally point and a morale booster on the battlefield. ‘Trooping the Colour’ was so that new guardsmen could get used to and recognise their Colours so they could follow it in the chaos of battle. In the Napoleonic Wars, soldiers would give up their lives before they let their Colour be captured by the enemy. The Colour is _never_ to touch the ground and it is only ever dipped in salute to the King or Queen. Losing the Colour was seen as a _huge_ disgrace to a Regiment and entire battles have been fought with the sole objective of recovering a Regiment’s captured Colour. A lot of the practical reasons for the Colour are completely obsolete now, but we British are big on our traditions, so we still Troop the Colour, the Colour comes with us on Operations and the Colour is still treated with the reverence it did 200 years ago.
@@Tom-bs1em true, but colours are different for each Regiment. The Royal Artillery have dozens of Regiments across the country but only one Colour, that's held at the School of Artillery in Larkhill. Whereas there is only one Coldstream Guards Regiment and their Colour follows them wherever they go. I think what I meant was the Colour is more relevant to Guards Regiments than any other. I mean I was attached to an Artillery Regiment for nearly 5 years and I've never seen the _actual_ Artillery Colour. I've seen our Battery Colour loads and the Artillery is probably the most traditional of all the British Army Regiments
@@neilmorrison7356 the only time the Colour should touch the ground is during a funeral for royalty. The Colour is dipped to 45° during the salute, but it's dipped past 90° in remembrance. They did it during Prince Phillip's funeral.
good to see younger generations showing an appreciation of traditions and customs from other countries. when i was young this kind of thing sparked my interest and began my passion for history
If you're on the street somewhere around the Mall you'll be able to see everything coming and going from Horse Guards. I stumbled on it a few years ago and it was worth standing around for.
@@paulmurrell1301 From what I've seen in the press and on various websites. There has been no decision on the Queen attending Trooping the colour this year. If she attends or not will be decided on the day itself.
@@jonathanclark762 I'd heard she wasn't going to be there this year, seems like others heard similar & some slight different. This is a youtube comments thread so I don't bother double checking everything I've heard. PS I'm sorry you have a small winkie and I hope you find some more profitable way to destress.
I remember being in the crowd on The Mall nearly 40 years ago, when The Queen still rode side saddle on Burmese, a horse gifted by the RCMP. It was a beautiful day & the parade was the most majestic thing I'd ever seen & still not outdone after all these years. Extraordinary to think Her Majesty was already in her middle fifties, like I am now. I remember how noble she looked, with still dark brown hair and very (very) upright. Probably because it's 'now', it's a memory that brings a bit of a lump to my throat, but being 🇬🇧 I'll not admit it, publicly (🙂). God Save The Queen.
Good memories. I recall that HM had the same mount for some years. The name eledues me but I'm thinking with some degree of certainty that it began with the letter "B". - perhaps some other contributor can help? I performed police duty for that event between the 1960s and 1980s in the Met. ceremonial uniform (known as Number One), now consigned to history - in the days when the Commissioner wore a cocked hat and rode a horse, duly attended by his mounted staff officer.
Hi Guys! I hope you enjoy your visit to the UK. To answer your question, Trooping the colour takes place at Horseguards Parade. Which is located between St. James’s Park and Whitehall.
3:15 This is now a ceremonial manoeuvre, but in the Napoleonic Wars and earlier it was life or death - being able to rotate a column on the move to face the enemy and deploy into line so that more soldiers could bring their muskets to bear. Then if enemy cavalry appeared they needed to form a square that the horses wouldn't attack, and if they were too slow they'd be slaughtered.
You can quickly distinguish between the 5 different brigades of guards, by looking at the spacing of the buttons on their red tunics. Grenadiers have buttons in ones, Coldstream twos, Scots threes, Irish fours and Welsh fives. They also have different collar badges, shoulder badges and plumes on their bearskins.
Having been the Ensign for the Colour for a Queens Guard the manoeuvres of the Ensign and RSM are just as formal even when done in a small courtyard with no one watching.
My brother in law was in the Coldstream Guards, back in the early 80's he was one of the soldiers taking part in Trooping The Colour it is one of his proudest moments. I am going to London tomorrow , will stand on the Mall and hopefully go down to Buckingham Palace to see the Royal family come out onto the balcony.
Showing off some of the manoeuvres the army used when fighting in past wars, so that they could turn to face the enemy without losing formation. I love that the British army shows off its strength and discipline in celebration of the Queen's birthday, rather than goose stepping down the Mall. Don't know if anyone has already said this, but in the UK members of the navy, army and airforce take their oath of allegiance to the Queen, not the Government.
And let me ask, why is it that it is only the army that takes part in trooping of the colour and not Airforce ,Marines or Navy? I have always wondered.
Trooping the Colour is about the special relationship between the monarch and the Foot Guards of the Household Division (Scots, Irish, Welsh, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards) and the Household Cavalry (Life Guards and Blues and Royals). It is not about the British military per sae. It is thought to have begun during the reign of Charles II, but did not become an official annual birthday event until the reign of George III. His birthday was June 4th, hence the event always being held in June despite Queen Elizabeth II being born in April and King Charles III in November. @@ericmwenda6197
The way the British Army and other British Armed Services march is renowned as the worlds best. It will be noted that countries that were part of the British Empire also march with the same precision. Lifting the knees when executing a turn is the way to do it. Lifting legs when marching and swinging arms is marching, however 'sliding the feet' is the Slow March. Its matching not a stroll in the park. The RAF does not over fly London on a regular basis. If you want to see even more stylish marching watch the sunset gate closing at the Indian / Pakistan border.
Last time I crossed the border between Lahore and Amritsar there was no fancy marching and parading ….simply an invite for a cup of tea from the Pakistani guards and after that passing into India a cheerful invite to yet another from some very handsome Sikh guards ….but it was a very long time ago.
Indeed there is something so special with British Army style of matching. They are very graceful to watch. There is a way brits do it without seeming to put lot of effort. very very graceful drills. Then grenadiers slow match is the sweetest tune I have ever heard in any country. God bless GB.
Awwww, as I understand it Trooping the colour is a birthday present from the army to the Queen (who is essentially their boss) and I always love to see her tapping her feet to the music and the pride she has on her face for her 'boys and girls' is a delight 😍🥰 Have a great trip! 🤗
It's now to celebrate but its original purpose was to show the colour, the flag of the regiment itself, to the men to remind them where to rally in the din and smoke of older battle fields. Smoke of blackpowder made it hard to see sometimes and battle is chaos It marks your place in line and where your comander is, we'll did anyway
the next stage is the best part when all those troops march in formation past the queen, they march at various speeds and its amazing the way the negotiate the turn at each corner. well worth watching the next stage
04:52 the coloured plumes on their Bearskins denote the guards regiment they are a member of. Grenadier Guards have a white plume on the left side, Coldstream Guards, red on the right side, Scots Guards, nothing. Irish Guards, blue on the right side, Welsh Guards, a white-green-white plume on the left side.
My late father was a Coldstream Grenadier bless him. Such an important event. Thank you for your lovely video. Hoping your time in London was very exciting for you both and hope you enjoy Scotland The Queen will be celebrated in Scotland as it's a very special place for her family ....Balmoral Castle a Royal Estate in Aberdeenshire. Happy travels ❤ UK
Beautiful! I am grateful to my grandmothers (both immigrants; one English, one Scottish) for instilling an understanding and respect for things like this. So much history! Every move, every moment, every action a reflection. So sad that even official commentators neglect to call out the import and origin at each step.
Before late 1800's the ability to march in boxes and fire together was necessary as rifles were slow firing and innacurate. You needed 100 men firing together to get a result. And 100 more loading while the other lot fired. Turning recruits from shambolic farmhands to becoming part of this detailed ballet took a lot of practice. But was essential for survival. Ritual helped them learn to focus and work together as a single body.
I am on my way to London, awaiting my night flight from Nairobi - Schipol, and hence to Heathrow. I am my #3 son's guest at his home in SW London for the Platinum holiday, and we have tickets both for St Paul's tomorrow, and the Concert on Sat evening. See you there! 😅🤔🙄🇰🇪. Of course, Princess Elizabeth became Queen while she and Philip were here in Kenya in 1952. I don't remember that, but I do remember our home being full of neighbours to watch the film of the Coronation a year later.
From the 70s I've gone to trooping the colour regularly. You can stand on the mall as they all march/ride past, including the Royal family. Only 20-30 yards away as they go by. When you come to London you can walk on that parade grd, through the archway below where Kate was sitting you can walk through and see the horseguards, the blues and Royals (in blue) or the lifeguards (in red).
Y'all missed the best part - the passing in review of the Life Guards, The Blues & The Royals, and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery! It's quite a spectacle.
What you have just witnessed is the formal trooping of the colour through the ranks. The ceremony has ancient origins. Ostensibly the purpose is to troop the colour through the ranks so that the soldiers will be able to recognise their regimental/battalion colour during a battle - the colour is the traditional rallying point for individual units when fighting on the old battlefields. However, here it is a ceremony that is performed to celebrate the birthday of the reigning monarch... The rest of the ceremony consists of the guards performing a march past of the dais (with the Queen on it) in both slow and quick time. This is then repeated (walk-march and trot-past) by the Household Cavalry (which has a separate mounted band) and the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery. The whole parade then accompanies the queen and the other royal dignitaries to the Palace where the Queen accepts the salute of the guards before they return to barracks. Then you get the flypast of the RAF - which the Royal Family observe from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. You should be able to witness the flypast from any position on The Mall (the road that connects Horse Guards Parade (and Trafalgar Square via Admiralty Arch) to Buckingham Palace. The King's Troop also fire a 41-gun salute in Green Park before the salute at the Palace...
This ceremony dates back to the earliest days of soldiering in the confusion of battlefields soldiers were often separated from their units and often needed to know where to rejoin each regiment regularly paraded or "trooped" the colours "regimental flag and national flag" in front of the soldiers especially before a battle to ensure the men would recognise them. Each of the gold scroll's on the flag represents a battle honour a representation of a time when the regiment fought with particular merit in an important battle as the guards regiments are some of the oldest and most decorated in history many of these awards have been combined into single scrolls representing multiple awards going all the way back before the united kingdom was even united. The reason all the drill movements are so precise and sharp such as lifting the knee waist high is to ensure every man executes the maneuvers in synchronization. One person being lazy can muck up the timing for the whole parade.
As of typing this 2022 Trooping the Colour is taking place for the first time in full due to the pandemic. The main ceremony will take place on Horse Guards parade. There are 5 household guard divisions and each year one will be the lead division who will be 'TROOPING THE COLOUR '. On this extra special day, it is the turn of the Irish Guards, You may think all the SCARLET JACKETED soldiers look the same but there is an easy way to understand who is who, and it is all down to the buttons and how they are spaced. THIS IS HOW TO IDENTIFY EACH GUARDS REGIMENT: 🟡: GRENADIER GUARDS HAVE A ⬜ PLUME ON THEIR BEARSKIN (FORMED JUNE 1656) 🟡🟡: COLDSTREAM GUARDS HAVE A 🟥PLUME ON THE BEARSKIN (FORMED AUGUST 1650) 🟡🟡🟡: SCOTS GUARDS NO PLUME (REFORMED OCTOBER 1650) 🟡🟡🟡🟡: IRISH GUARDS HAVE A 🟦 PLUME ON THE BEARSKIN (FORMED APRIL 1900) 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡: WELSH GUARDS HAVE A GREEN ⬜🟩⬜PLUME ON THEIR BEARSKIN (FORMED FEBRUARY 1915)
You describe "sliding the feet" in relation to the slow march you cant see it unless closer up but the feet don't actually slide on the ground. As you take a pace forward the foot goes forward very close to the ground and at the last second comes back a little way before touching the ground. It takes practice like every other manoeuvre.
The voice you are hearing is that of BBC lead news presenter and very proud Welshman Huw Edwards who has been the commentator for main ceremonial events for more than a decade now, he normally has a military expert who has since retired as an expert analyst. Huw is also the main host of the festival of Remembrance that takes place in November at the Royal Albert Hall on the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday
I recommend you to visit the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, it's amazing. Especially the evening show. The sound of pipes and drums will give you goosebumps. Of course the entire show is great. And Edinburgh is amazing city.
Just came here to say this! It is on for the full month of August during the festival and the stadium seating is set up on the castle esplanade. There are some great youtube vids of previous years. Look out for the Top Secret Drummers, they are incredible!
Having spent four years as an Army Cadet in my teenage years, I can tell you that learning basic drill is extremely easy. Standing at attention, standing at ease and standing easy. Right turn, left turn, about turn - easy. "By the right/centre/left, quick march/slow march" and all that - easy. The maneuvers pulled off in this ceremony, however, are an entirely different story, especially when rifles are added to the mix. So much attention to minute details, so much precision and timing. The focus and discipline required to be so flawless for such at extended period of time is remarkable.
Hello, Chaps! A huge thank you for even looking at this. As a 'Brit. I cannot express my pride at the moment. It is a huge/massive weekend for a lot of brits. Just the bands evoke pride in me and I no longer live in the UK! I suppose it's the same for you guys too. Do you have the pomp and ceremony in the U.S? ?
This is huge coincidence! I was just watching a video on YT called "Trooping the Colour explained " , I really recommend having a look. It answers so many questions for newbies to the ceremony. PS can't wait for your reactions to your visit. Hope you have a fantastic time.
It is a flag, it's the regimental flag or colours and does carry a list of battle honours and every soldier in a regiment is immensely proud of their colours. I know I was.
Exactly, each of those golden scrolls is a battle honour. I saw a story somewhere (Quora?) where a former officer described a visit to his regiments mess by a US general and some of his staff, apparently one of them saw a list of battle honours and commented 'See all these places these guys have visited!" Funny if true, would have led to a few choking on their drinks.
The Trooping of the Colour An event so powerful, it makes *everyone* feel patriotic - even if they're American! lol Thanks for the video - all love from London UK 🇬🇧🇺🇲🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🍻❤
My Grandad was in the Grenadier Gruads we used to watch the the Troop every year with him he sadly is no longer with us but when I see this I smile and think of him ..
They're 'sliding their feet' because it's a slow march - 60 paces/min. Arms by the side, you're taught to imagine rolling a pencil with your foot. Quick march is 116 paces/min, by comparison (~3.5 mph - can vary slightly by regiment) and double march (light infantry pace) is 140 ppm.
The Windsor Castle Guard are scheduled to change at 11:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Important - On Sundays the Windsor Castle Guard change
Guarding the Colour on the battlefield - the role of colour sergeants - was crucial. My ancestor Daniel Tighe was ensign of the colour of the 1st Foot (Grenadier Guards) at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, aged 19, where no less than 5 colour sergeants lost their lives. BTW if you Google you can see his uniform.
What a great ancestor to have. Just one little thing, pedant that I am. The Grenadier Guards are the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, the 1st Regiment of Foot is (or was) the Royal Regiment of Foot (now the Royal Scots). Both these fine bodies are older than the United States, dating back to the mid 17th century.
Is the actual colour he carried now in the Guards Chapel? There are so many Colours in there. Some of them barely holding together due to singeing and cannon ball damage. We should be encouraging these American onlookers to visit the Chapel.
Watching your reactions to the Trooping of the Colour was fascinating 😊 I’ve never watched it. I’m British by the way, I might have a look next time it’s on
Trooping of the Colour is a ceremony traditionally carried out to allow all members of a Regiment to identify 'their' colour (Regimental flag). In past times the colour acted as a rallying point during battles so knowing what it looked like was vital. It is also worth noting that the formations and movements displayed in this event reflect how troops moved while fighting in battle, especially during the Napoleonic period.
The Trooping of the colour is practiced months in advance and they complete four Trooping of the Colours in total. The final time is with the Monarch in attendance and is the Official Trooping of the Colour, and the only one that is televised. Not commonly known is that many of the Guards are on duty for the full 24 hours in other ceremonial roles throughout the city. They are carrying out Guard duties at Buckingham Palace, St James, Tower of London, Windsor etc. and returning to these posts once the Trooping is Finished. The "Flag" is called The Colour, each Regiment has their own set of Colours, and on these colours are the dates of past Battles that the regiment took part. The Colours originated withhin the Regiments of the British Army so that in a battle Soldiers fighting in the battles would know where their regiment is and would look for and return to the Colours if needed. Hope this helps you understand some more of the Troop, Great video, cheers from the UK.
As a sort of fictional context watch/read Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe in particular Sharpe's Eagle (with the lovely Sean Bean) in which the King's Colours are taken by the French.
Funny that your London escapade is right at the time of this whole celebration for Her Majesty (You'll deffo see the Guards around The Mall this weekend) - oh visit the Guards' museum on Birdcage Walk next to Wellington Barracks - it'll really give you insight into the Guards and Uniforms.
I love how you say ‘the RAFs’ 😁 . Sadly you won’t just see them anywhere in London unless you’re really lucky, the red arrows (which I think is what you’re imagining when you say the RAF) only come out on special occasions Edit: I didn’t realise you were coming to the UK! You should be able to see the red arrows no issue from the Mall 😊
I saw them last year in my hometown (Lancashire)...they flew overhead when the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsey Hoyle came home to Chorley and Nancy Pelosi was his guest. Such a great sight to behold...they flew so quick!
You can join the British army at 15 and 9 months (with parent's permission) but won't be deployed abroad until 18. (Training also won't begin until after you are 16) Bear in mind the basic schooling ends at 16 in the UK, to move on to further education or some form of apprenticeship. So by the time you actually attend basic training you would be above school leaving age.
@@marycarver1542 No, there are other options besides the army. Lifted this directly from the Government website. You must then do one of the following until you’re 18: stay in full-time education, for example at a college start an apprenticeship or traineeship spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training. The army fits the second category.
Another great video, hope you're enjoying your trip! You mentioned the different coloured plumes in their bearskins (hats) you can tell which regiment they are in by the colour and position: • Grenadier Guards Left / White • Coldstream Guards Right / Red • Scots Guards None • Irish Guards Right / Blue • Welsh Guards Left / White-Green-White You can also tell by the grouping of the buttons on their tunics: • Grenadier Guards - Singly • Coldstream Guards - Pairs • Scots Guards - Threes • Irish Guards - Fours • Welsh Guards - Fives
She's not on a balcony for the ceremony, but this may change this year. She's normally on Buckingham Palace's balcony after she's left Horseguards Parade and been taken up the Mall. Once all the procession has passed up the Mall then the police re-open the Mall to the crowds and they all stream towards the Palace. You will then get the balcony appearance by the Royal Family and a flypast by the Red Arrows
There is a video with the full Trooping The Colour on RUclips filmed a few years ago. Back in June 1991 I was sat in a stand on Horseguards Parade for Beating The Retreat of the mass bands of The Royal Marines on a Thursday evening before Trooping The Colour on the Saturday. On Horseguards Parade there is a museum to The Household Cavalry, at Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace there is The Guards Museum both are very interesting and informative. There is a video on RUclips of the full Changing of The Guard by Free Tours by Foot-London, the lady tells you about every detail that happens during The Changing of the Guard.
You lovely people are now a part of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth history and family. What I have seen so far of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations makes me filled with joy and optimism for the future. 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸 xxx
Every service recruit swears allegiance to the Monarch - currently the Queen - and the soldiers, despite ceremonial uniforms, are active soldiers who were probably in Afghanistan a few months ago.
The narrator of the event, Huw Edwards, was for many years the "go-to" presenter for important occasions such as this and the announcement of the Queen's death. This year he was sacked from the BBC and found guilty of Sexual Misconduct being in possession of child pornography. He's been found guilty but hasn't been sentenced yet.
Malaysia, as it used to be under British rule, also conducts Trooping the Colour annually. It is known as "Mengarak Panji-panji" in Malay language. Same concept, same format, same purpose. Though, there are differences, when compared with the original Trooping the Colour in Britain, such as language and uniforms (of course), the absence of horse troops, the lack of "spinwheel" formation/movement by Malaysian Brass Band (which I believe only exclusive to British Massed Band), and five royal colours are trooped instead of one regimental colour from one chosen regiment. Out of five royal colours, three of which have emblems of three Malaysia Army regiments/corps, and the remaining two represent Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force, respectively.
The colours are the Flag of the regiment. This was originally taken onto the field of battle and acted as a rallying point. It was therefore important that all the troops knew what it looked like. This ceremony is intended to walk the flag past all the men so they could identify it. The bars on it carry the names of all the battles that the regiment has been involved in.
Changing of the guard takes place every day at the Palace and every afternoon a small change takes place at 4pm in the tilt yard which is a small court yard between Whitehall and Horseguards Parade ground.
Trooping the Colour takes place at Horseguards, the opposite end of The Mall from Buckingham Palace. This ceremony took place after Miss Middleton married Prince William, which is why she was referred to as the Duchess of Cambridge. Now, in 2024, she is the Princess of Wales.
The area where the soldiers do Trooping the Colour is called Horse Guards Parade, which is just off a long road called the Mall, at one end of the Mall is Buckingham Palace. This yearly event is to mark the official Birthday of the Monarch, but it’s different from the actual date of her Birth.
That guy’s not yawning. He’s trying to adjust his chin strap without using his hands. If his chin strap is not in the right place, his bearskin will fall off. I’ve read that if the strap is not in the right place, the bearskin is so heavy that it could snap your neck. Not sure if that’s true!
Here’s a fun fact for you guys. During the Battle of Waterloo, one of Napoleon’s Officers was captured by Wellington’s men. During a very civilised discussion in Wellington’s tent to extract information from the Frenchman, the French Officer asked the English commander, “Sir, permit me to ask, why do you English wear red tunics on the battlefield? They make your men stand out as easy targets, is this not unwise?” Wellington paused for a moment, then said in a confident tone, “We wear red tunics to mask the sight of blood when our boys get shot. This helps maintain morale when under fire” After questioning, the French Officer was released, as was the practice of the day amongst the Officer class. Upon return to the French line, the Officer reported the conversation directly to Napoleon. We don’t know what exactly was said at the time, but interestingly, ever since that battle, French Officer’s uniforms have always incorporated Brown trousers.
Each of the gold scrolls on the flag has the name of a battle in which the regiment fought. I'm pretty sure your military does this too, as I know during your civil war they had the names of previous battles on their flags.
In her younger days the Queen rode a horse, side saddle during the trooping. One year someone in the crowd pointed a gun at her. The guards officer escort jumped off his horse into the crowd to grab the man. Interesting to watch. Nowadays she doesn't ride anymore.
Trooping the color is held on a field called Horse Guard's Parade. - there would be no room at Buckingham Palace. Even Windsor castle isn't big enough. THe trooping is always the same, year after year. There is lots of practice. A few years ago one Guards unit was in Afghanistan and besides the military operation the drummers were practicing because their regiment was going to be the escort to the color. The officer in charge rides a horse and he has to learn the movements - left, right or backwards. I've read that moving a horse backwards is no easy feat.
The massed bands are from across the guards which is why they are dressed slightly differently Each guards have their own slight differences to the uniform, different button groupings, colours in the bear skin etc
It’s 17and a half to join the Army and they are ALL volunteers. They love to Parade their Colour and remember those days and occasions all their lives. We were doing this since before time began, almost. Remember, this is not a show for civilians, this is the Army parading their battle honours, their ‘colours’, carried in their many battles, before their Queen. We don’t have tanks, and jets and ships and submarines and missiles like you do, but we have our proud military who will ‘Stand’ and we have ‘health care’ for all, so you can’t have it all. Enjoy!
Trooping the Colour has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, and since 1748 has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign.
Hi Ethan and Angela Debra from South Wales here. I hope you and tbe kids are keeping well and that you will enjoy your trip to the UK Trooping the Colour is also to celebrate the Queen's official birthday. Her actual birthday is 21 April 1926. Not only do they accept the colour, they are the regiment who take over protection of the monarch and the royal family by standing on duty by the sentry boxes in Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings, where the monarch my be such as Windsor Castle. Trooping the Colour takes place at Horseguards Parade, not far from Buckingham Palace, it is just down the Mall, (you can't miss the Mall it is tbe road that is a pinky-red colour). The royal family stand on Buckingham Palace's balcony once they return to the Palace once Trooping the Colour is over they will then watch a fly-past by the RAF, so I highly recommend you go to the Mall the night before to get a good spot to see everything and everyone March past going to and from Horseguards Parade, it is traditional to sleep out there, plenty of people will be doing so, so the atmosphere will be electric and very exciting. When she was younger the Queen used to ride her horse Bermese in the parade to take the Salute by inspecting the regiment whilst on Bermese, she always rode sidesaddle, which is a skill in itself. Tbe Queen is an excellent horsewoman. Prince William and Catherine Middleton got married on 29 Aoril 2011 in Westminster Abbey, (there is video of it on You Tube if ever you want to view it in your own time). Incidentally this is also where the Queen had her Coronation on 2 June 1953.
To correct a seeming misunderstanding, 'trooping the colours' is _not_ the exchanging of the 'flag'. The trooping of the colours was that part of the ceremony where the bearer passed in front of the ranks.
You can join the army at 16 (although I think under 18 you need parents' permission). All of our soldiers look young because they're not allowed to have facial hair; they're required to be really close-shaven & are not allowed to leave any stubble at all. The blue hackles in their caps are to identify which regiment they are a part of. The legend for this is posted on a sign near Buckingham Palace, although I can't remember of the top of my head myself. We have a vast expanse of gravel in just west of Whitehall which is only used for Trooping the Colour once a year & the rest of the time it's just a massive area of gravel.
Your allowed to have moustaches in the army I believe and you can ask for permission from your CO to grow a beard. It's also allowed for religious purposes. The plumes on their head gear relate to their location in line formations back in the old line infantry days. For example, if it's on the right they would of been on the right of the formation etc. As scots guards used to be in the centre, this is why they don't have a plume. The colours of the plume are purely for unit distinction.
The coloured plumes in the bearskins are one of the regimental distinctions: Grenadier Guards= white, worn on the left, Coldstream Guards = red, on the right, Scots Guards = none, Irish Guards = St. Patrick’s Blue, worn on the right, Welsh Guards = White-Green-White, worn on the left. The side of the bearskin the plume is worn is also on the opposite side to where the Regiment parades, so the Grenadiers, as the senior regiment, parade on the right of the line, but because the Coldstream Guards were formed before the Grenadiers the form on the right - “Second to none” as in their motto. The Scots (3rd) Guards have no plume and form in the centre, with the Irish on their left and the Welsh on the right.
"Horse guards parade" is a place in London near the Palace where the horse guards parade. So anywhere around there. Have a look at some apps for a Londoner's guide to London or similar places you are going, or like minded youtubers who would love to show you round. Locals know what they are talking about. Have a good time.
What you refer-to as a "flag" is, in military circles, always "The Colour," never the "Flag!" The slow march is a half-time to the standard quick march. In the slow march, the toe should be pointed downwards as opposed to upwards as one walks or marches; beacuse of the intracacies of it, the heel is more likely to slip (a disaster), so now, when the foot is brought down, it comes down flat with the pressure on the toes to lessen any slip....simple!! When the colour is received, it is then paraded in front of the particular regiment, before re-forming to lead the general march past the Monarch. Each year it will be the turn of another of the five regiments of the Household Division. After that has been done, the Horse Guards then move onto the parade ground for their salute to the Monarch. There are five regiments of Footguards: Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh (here listed in order of seniority). There are two regiments of Horse Guards: the Blues & Royals, and the LifeGuards. Finally, the Royal Horse Artillery (Kings Troop) ride past with their salute. They will usually give a 21-gun salute at about 1pm on the day. Their artillery is 14-pounder field guns dating from the First World War. Nowadays, strange as it may seem, most of the crews are female, and very smart they are!
Have just sent the full ceremony to SoGal. Will get you the link. The true stars, of course, are the 2 massive Shire Horses, each carrying 2 huge kettle drums.
William and Kate married 29 April 2011.their kids George 2013, Charlotte 2015 and Louis 2018.when this happened she would have been married. Queen Elizabeth rode on horseback at the Trooping the Colour from 1947, when her father was king, to 1986, when she pivoted to royal carriages. She spent 18 of those years riding a majestic black mare named Burmese - also a gift, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
I'm such a weirdo, I cry with pride when I watch stuff like this, please tell me I'm not the only one ❤🇬🇧❤
Your not the only one Vanessa.
No your not the only one I can cry at anything with the Queen in as I know we are now coming to the end of the reign of this wonderful woman
By now you (like me ) are a blubbering mess after seeing our Sovereign Lady with a dear little bear. 🐻🥪👜💖
You must be one of thousands that includes me also at march past cenataph
I marched around on the Troop loads of times. It was emotional, especially in the rain when the bearskin drops down and compresses your cranium! I exchanged it for one much too big and lined it with sponges so it wouldn't wobble!
I used to cry a little whilst stood to attention at military funerals especially in Oosterbeek when farmers found soldiers' remains.
I shook hands with and said "thank you Sir" to Henry Allingham, one of the last living WW1 survivors. I played the last post on Remembrance Sunday in Kabul...Those two experiences are unforgettable and I still feel so proud 🇬🇧
I'm a Canadian Army veteran and I love watching these soldiers. They're so sharp.
It's only when you've tried yourself that you realise how difficult some of this is. 😀
We love you too. 💖
Respect from over the pond!
The canucks have battle honours second to know one.
@@brucewilliams4152 Aren't they an ice hockey team?
Back in 75 as a young lad, came to this country with nothing, and still have nothing, but one thing that I got and I am very proud of, is my British Citizenship, and I love anything to do with royalty
and watching this makes me even more proud to be British.
Watching from Northern Ireland, United Kingdom 🇬🇧 British & Proud, God save the queen 👑 🇬🇧
nobody does pomp or circumstance like the british , they might look pretty to watch parading around , but they are also some of the best fighting soldiers in the world .
My late dad would totally agree with u there, but he would say the best in the world
Spot on.....
I believe our soldiers are the most skilled out there! We can only be beaten with numbers which is where we are lacking.
I am a Army Vet,i served in the Household Division in the Coldstream Guards in the early 80's. Had the best time of my life in the Army.
The “Colour” is very important to guards regiments. It’s issued to them by the reigning monarch at the time and has their crest and all of their battle honours on it, it used to be that a Guards Regiment would only be recognised as such once it had its Colour issued. It was used as a rally point and a morale booster on the battlefield. ‘Trooping the Colour’ was so that new guardsmen could get used to and recognise their Colours so they could follow it in the chaos of battle. In the Napoleonic Wars, soldiers would give up their lives before they let their Colour be captured by the enemy. The Colour is _never_ to touch the ground and it is only ever dipped in salute to the King or Queen. Losing the Colour was seen as a _huge_ disgrace to a Regiment and entire battles have been fought with the sole objective of recovering a Regiment’s captured Colour. A lot of the practical reasons for the Colour are completely obsolete now, but we British are big on our traditions, so we still Troop the Colour, the Colour comes with us on Operations and the Colour is still treated with the reverence it did 200 years ago.
I’d think it’s still important to most regiments 😆😉 other than that, very accurate
@@Tom-bs1em true, but colours are different for each Regiment. The Royal Artillery have dozens of Regiments across the country but only one Colour, that's held at the School of Artillery in Larkhill. Whereas there is only one Coldstream Guards Regiment and their Colour follows them wherever they go. I think what I meant was the Colour is more relevant to Guards Regiments than any other. I mean I was attached to an Artillery Regiment for nearly 5 years and I've never seen the _actual_ Artillery Colour. I've seen our Battery Colour loads and the Artillery is probably the most traditional of all the British Army Regiments
@@realburglazofficial2613 the Colours do touch the ground and are dipped for in salute to other members of the Royal Family.
@@neilmorrison7356 the only time the Colour should touch the ground is during a funeral for royalty. The Colour is dipped to 45° during the salute, but it's dipped past 90° in remembrance. They did it during Prince Phillip's funeral.
@@realburglazofficial2613 Correct answer!
I always get really emotional from pride when watching trooping the colour makes me so proud to be British 😊 🇬🇧
good to see younger generations showing an appreciation of traditions and customs from other countries. when i was young this kind of thing sparked my interest and began my passion for history
They need to watch old videos of the Queen leading on horseback.
@@yvonneplant9434 Ah yes, Trooping the Colours’ that are before the 80’s.
If you're on the street somewhere around the Mall you'll be able to see everything coming and going from Horse Guards. I stumbled on it a few years ago and it was worth standing around for.
Also the Queen isn't doing it this year. As a btw you can tell which regiment of guards it is by counting the number of buttons in a group.
@@paulmurrell1301 From what I've seen in the press and on various websites. There has been no decision on the Queen attending Trooping the colour this year. If she attends or not will be decided on the day itself.
@@Westcountrynordic It seems like they're planning on Charles and William taking the salute but she might be on the balcony
@@RB-747 We'll have to wait and see but I have seen mention of her riding in a Range Rover to horseguards
@@jonathanclark762 I'd heard she wasn't going to be there this year, seems like others heard similar & some slight different. This is a youtube comments thread so I don't bother double checking everything I've heard. PS I'm sorry you have a small winkie and I hope you find some more profitable way to destress.
I remember being in the crowd on The Mall nearly 40 years ago, when The Queen still rode side saddle on Burmese, a horse gifted by the RCMP. It was a beautiful day & the parade was the most majestic thing I'd ever seen & still not outdone after all these years. Extraordinary to think Her Majesty was already in her middle fifties, like I am now. I remember how noble she looked, with still dark brown hair and very (very) upright. Probably because it's 'now', it's a memory that brings a bit of a lump to my throat, but being 🇬🇧 I'll not admit it, publicly (🙂).
God Save The Queen.
Good memories. I recall that HM had the same mount for some years. The name eledues me but I'm
thinking with some degree of certainty that it began with the letter "B". - perhaps some other contributor
can help? I performed police duty for that event between the 1960s and 1980s in the Met. ceremonial uniform (known as Number One), now consigned to history - in the days when the Commissioner wore
a cocked hat and rode a horse, duly attended by his mounted staff officer.
PS - Yes - it was "Burmese", referred to above.
IRA Terrorist fired a pistol at Her Majesty that day
I used to love to see our late Queen ride sidesaddle
Hi Guys! I hope you enjoy your visit to the UK. To answer your question, Trooping the colour takes place at Horseguards Parade. Which is located between St. James’s Park and Whitehall.
3:15 This is now a ceremonial manoeuvre, but in the Napoleonic Wars and earlier it was life or death - being able to rotate a column on the move to face the enemy and deploy into line so that more soldiers could bring their muskets to bear. Then if enemy cavalry appeared they needed to form a square that the horses wouldn't attack, and if they were too slow they'd be slaughtered.
You can quickly distinguish between the 5 different brigades of guards, by looking at the spacing of the buttons on their red tunics. Grenadiers have buttons in ones, Coldstream twos, Scots threes, Irish fours and Welsh fives. They also have different collar badges, shoulder badges and plumes on their bearskins.
You have covered that well. Thanks for posting the difference.
Having been the Ensign for the Colour for a Queens Guard the manoeuvres of the Ensign and RSM are just as formal even when done in a small courtyard with no one watching.
1986 Queens Guard in Kirkwall Orkney
@@sean3691 I wish
The Grenadier Guards, those in the video, have served on the front lines in Iraq, Afghanistan etc. They are soldiers first and foremost.
My brother in law was in the Coldstream Guards, back in the early 80's he was one of the soldiers taking part in Trooping The Colour it is one of his proudest moments. I am going to London tomorrow , will stand on the Mall and hopefully go down to Buckingham Palace to see the Royal family come out onto the balcony.
Showing off some of the manoeuvres the army used when fighting in past wars, so that they could turn to face the enemy without losing formation. I love that the British army shows off its strength and discipline in celebration of the Queen's birthday, rather than goose stepping down the Mall. Don't know if anyone has already said this, but in the UK members of the navy, army and airforce take their oath of allegiance to the Queen, not the Government.
Same in the Canadian Armed Forces, our oath is to the Queen and her heirs, not our government.
Now it's God save the King 🇬🇧🟥👑💂
And let me ask, why is it that it is only the army that takes part in trooping of the colour and not Airforce ,Marines or Navy? I have always wondered.
Trooping the Colour is about the special relationship between the monarch and the Foot Guards of the Household Division (Scots, Irish, Welsh, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards) and the Household Cavalry (Life Guards and Blues and Royals). It is not about the British military per sae. It is thought to have begun during the reign of Charles II, but did not become an official annual birthday event until the reign of George III. His birthday was June 4th, hence the event always being held in June despite Queen Elizabeth II being born in April and King Charles III in November. @@ericmwenda6197
I highly recommend a tour of The Tower of London. The tour guides are very amusing and obviously very knowledgeable.
Definately !! a must .
@clare gale Haha that's so funny cause we just did that today! It was very cool! Wont have a video of it out for awhile. Eventually we'll share though
and Saint Paul's
You mean MMarkles future home
Are there any Americans here? "Yes". Here is traitors gate. Are there any Italians here? "Yes". Try and keep up.
The way the British Army and other British Armed Services march is renowned as the worlds best. It will be noted that countries that were part of the British Empire also march with the same precision. Lifting the knees when executing a turn is the way to do it. Lifting legs when marching and swinging arms is marching, however 'sliding the feet' is the Slow March. Its matching not a stroll in the park. The RAF does not over fly London on a regular basis.
If you want to see even more stylish marching watch the sunset gate closing at the Indian / Pakistan border.
I've watched it and frankly found it ridiculous.
Last time I crossed the border between Lahore and Amritsar there was no fancy marching and parading ….simply an invite for a cup of tea from the Pakistani guards and after that passing into India a cheerful invite to yet another from some very handsome Sikh guards ….but it was a very long time ago.
They show the world how to March
@@grenville64always get one who wants to demonstrate their……….
Indeed there is something so special with British Army style of matching. They are very graceful to watch. There is a way brits do it without seeming to put lot of effort. very very graceful drills. Then grenadiers slow match is the sweetest tune I have ever heard in any country. God bless GB.
my uncle was in the Welsh guards,he trooped the colour 6 times,escorted it on his last one.
Awwww, as I understand it Trooping the colour is a birthday present from the army to the Queen (who is essentially their boss) and I always love to see her tapping her feet to the music and the pride she has on her face for her 'boys and girls' is a delight 😍🥰 Have a great trip! 🤗
It's now to celebrate but its original purpose was to show the colour, the flag of the regiment itself, to the men to remind them where to rally in the din and smoke of older battle fields. Smoke of blackpowder made it hard to see sometimes and battle is chaos
It marks your place in line and where your comander is, we'll did anyway
The queen only ever missed 1 trooping the colour during her reign during the strikes in the late 1900s
the next stage is the best part when all those troops march in formation past the queen, they march at various speeds and its amazing the way the negotiate the turn at each corner. well worth watching the next stage
In Britain you get medals for Operations or for bravery not just for deployments.
04:52 the coloured plumes on their Bearskins denote the guards regiment they are a member of. Grenadier Guards have a white plume on the left side, Coldstream Guards, red on the right side, Scots Guards, nothing. Irish Guards, blue on the right side, Welsh Guards, a white-green-white plume on the left side.
My late father was a Coldstream Grenadier bless him. Such an important event. Thank you for your lovely video. Hoping your time in London was very exciting for you both and hope you enjoy Scotland The Queen will be celebrated in Scotland as it's a very special place for her family ....Balmoral Castle a Royal Estate in Aberdeenshire. Happy travels ❤ UK
Beautiful!
I am grateful to my grandmothers (both immigrants; one English, one Scottish) for instilling an understanding and respect for things like this.
So much history! Every move, every moment, every action a reflection. So sad that even official commentators neglect to call out the import and origin at each step.
They could just use Google it's not like the manoeuvres change
Before late 1800's the ability to march in boxes and fire together was necessary as rifles were slow firing and innacurate. You needed 100 men firing together to get a result. And 100 more loading while the other lot fired.
Turning recruits from shambolic farmhands to becoming part of this detailed ballet took a lot of practice. But was essential for survival. Ritual helped them learn to focus and work together as a single body.
Love to watch Trooping the Colour Guards. They are magnificent. Much love and respect to our friends across the pond!
Much love back to you our Brothers in arms!
I am on my way to London, awaiting my night flight from Nairobi - Schipol, and hence to Heathrow. I am my #3 son's guest at his home in SW London for the Platinum holiday, and we have tickets both for St Paul's tomorrow, and the Concert on Sat evening. See you there! 😅🤔🙄🇰🇪. Of course, Princess Elizabeth became Queen while she and Philip were here in Kenya in 1952. I don't remember that, but I do remember our home being full of neighbours to watch the film of the Coronation a year later.
From the 70s I've gone to trooping the colour regularly. You can stand on the mall as they all march/ride past, including the Royal family. Only 20-30 yards away as they go by. When you come to London you can walk on that parade grd, through the archway below where Kate was sitting you can walk through and see the horseguards, the blues and Royals (in blue) or the lifeguards (in red).
Y'all missed the best part - the passing in review of the Life Guards, The Blues & The Royals, and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery! It's quite a spectacle.
And the Slow and Quick marches from each 4 Regiments.
What you have just witnessed is the formal trooping of the colour through the ranks. The ceremony has ancient origins. Ostensibly the purpose is to troop the colour through the ranks so that the soldiers will be able to recognise their regimental/battalion colour during a battle - the colour is the traditional rallying point for individual units when fighting on the old battlefields. However, here it is a ceremony that is performed to celebrate the birthday of the reigning monarch...
The rest of the ceremony consists of the guards performing a march past of the dais (with the Queen on it) in both slow and quick time. This is then repeated (walk-march and trot-past) by the Household Cavalry (which has a separate mounted band) and the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery.
The whole parade then accompanies the queen and the other royal dignitaries to the Palace where the Queen accepts the salute of the guards before they return to barracks. Then you get the flypast of the RAF - which the Royal Family observe from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. You should be able to witness the flypast from any position on The Mall (the road that connects Horse Guards Parade (and Trafalgar Square via Admiralty Arch) to Buckingham Palace. The King's Troop also fire a 41-gun salute in Green Park before the salute at the Palace...
Except it was an 81 gun salute this year.
This ceremony dates back to the earliest days of soldiering in the confusion of battlefields soldiers were often separated from their units and often needed to know where to rejoin each regiment regularly paraded or "trooped" the colours "regimental flag and national flag" in front of the soldiers especially before a battle to ensure the men would recognise them. Each of the gold scroll's on the flag represents a battle honour a representation of a time when the regiment fought with particular merit in an important battle as the guards regiments are some of the oldest and most decorated in history many of these awards have been combined into single scrolls representing multiple awards going all the way back before the united kingdom was even united. The reason all the drill movements are so precise and sharp such as lifting the knee waist high is to ensure every man executes the maneuvers in synchronization. One person being lazy can muck up the timing for the whole parade.
As of typing this 2022 Trooping the Colour is taking place for the first time in full due to the pandemic. The main ceremony will take place on Horse Guards parade. There are 5 household guard divisions and each year one will be the lead division who will be 'TROOPING THE COLOUR '. On this extra special day, it is the turn of the Irish Guards,
You may think all the SCARLET JACKETED soldiers look the same but there is an easy way to understand who is who, and it is all down to the buttons and how they are spaced.
THIS IS HOW TO IDENTIFY EACH GUARDS REGIMENT:
🟡: GRENADIER GUARDS HAVE A ⬜ PLUME ON THEIR BEARSKIN (FORMED JUNE 1656)
🟡🟡: COLDSTREAM GUARDS HAVE A 🟥PLUME ON THE BEARSKIN (FORMED AUGUST 1650)
🟡🟡🟡: SCOTS GUARDS NO PLUME (REFORMED OCTOBER 1650)
🟡🟡🟡🟡: IRISH GUARDS HAVE A 🟦 PLUME ON THE BEARSKIN (FORMED APRIL 1900)
🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡: WELSH GUARDS HAVE A GREEN ⬜🟩⬜PLUME ON THEIR BEARSKIN (FORMED FEBRUARY 1915)
RAF Red Arrows are doing a show at Buckingham Palace, on 2nd June until 1315.., they'll be flying around London from 1240 and leaving around 1330
I can't wait to hear what you guys have to report from your trip and what you saw during the Jubilee! Thanks for sharing!
Being there is so exhilarating It’s so loud!!! Have fun. Soak up the fun. Have a wonderful trip.
You describe "sliding the feet" in relation to the slow march you cant see it unless closer up but the feet don't actually slide on the ground. As you take a pace forward the foot goes forward very close to the ground and at the last second comes back a little way before touching the ground. It takes practice like every other manoeuvre.
The voice you are hearing is that of BBC lead news presenter and very proud Welshman Huw Edwards who has been the commentator for main ceremonial events for more than a decade now, he normally has a military expert who has since retired as an expert analyst. Huw is also the main host of the festival of Remembrance that takes place in November at the Royal Albert Hall on the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday
The slow march they are taught on entering the army just as important as the quick march.🇬🇧🇬🇧Thank you for watching.
I recommend you to visit the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, it's amazing. Especially the evening show. The sound of pipes and drums will give you goosebumps. Of course the entire show is great. And Edinburgh is amazing city.
Just came here to say this! It is on for the full month of August during the festival and the stadium seating is set up on the castle esplanade. There are some great youtube vids of previous years. Look out for the Top Secret Drummers, they are incredible!
Having spent four years as an Army Cadet in my teenage years, I can tell you that learning basic drill is extremely easy. Standing at attention, standing at ease and standing easy. Right turn, left turn, about turn - easy. "By the right/centre/left, quick march/slow march" and all that - easy. The maneuvers pulled off in this ceremony, however, are an entirely different story, especially when rifles are added to the mix. So much attention to minute details, so much precision and timing. The focus and discipline required to be so flawless for such at extended period of time is remarkable.
Hello, Chaps! A huge thank you for even looking at this. As a 'Brit. I cannot express my pride at the moment. It is a huge/massive weekend for a lot of brits. Just the bands evoke pride in me and I no longer live in the UK! I suppose it's the same for you guys too. Do you have the pomp and ceremony in the U.S?
?
It's on tomorrow!! You'll definitely be able to see them walking from Buckingham Palace down the Mall, so enjoy!!
This is huge coincidence! I was just watching a video on YT called "Trooping the Colour explained " , I really recommend having a look. It answers so many questions for newbies to the ceremony. PS can't wait for your reactions to your visit. Hope you have a fantastic time.
Shuffling their feet = Slow March
It's not a flag as such, it's a list of the battles this regiment has been in.
It is a flag, it's the regimental flag or colours and does carry a list of battle honours and every soldier in a regiment is immensely proud of their colours. I know I was.
Exactly, each of those golden scrolls is a battle honour. I saw a story somewhere (Quora?) where a former officer described a visit to his regiments mess by a US general and some of his staff, apparently one of them saw a list of battle honours and commented 'See all these places these guys have visited!" Funny if true, would have led to a few choking on their drinks.
@@michaelmclachlan1650 haha bull in china shop syndrome 😂🤦🏻♀️
The Trooping of the Colour
An event so powerful, it makes *everyone* feel patriotic - even if they're American! lol
Thanks for the video - all love from London UK
🇬🇧🇺🇲🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🍻❤
My Grandad was in the Grenadier Gruads we used to watch the the Troop every year with him he sadly is no longer with us but when I see this I smile and think of him ..
My father was also in the Grenadier Guards, he took part in Trooping the Colour too. I still watch, with tears in my eyes!
They're 'sliding their feet' because it's a slow march - 60 paces/min. Arms by the side, you're taught to imagine rolling a pencil with your foot.
Quick march is 116 paces/min, by comparison (~3.5 mph - can vary slightly by regiment) and double march (light infantry pace) is 140 ppm.
William and Catherine were married (2011) as she was referred to as the Duchess of Cambridge.
The Windsor Castle Guard are scheduled to change at 11:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Important - On Sundays the Windsor Castle Guard change
Guarding the Colour on the battlefield - the role of colour sergeants - was crucial. My ancestor Daniel Tighe was ensign of the colour of the 1st Foot (Grenadier Guards) at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, aged 19, where no less than 5 colour sergeants lost their lives.
BTW if you Google you can see his uniform.
What a great ancestor to have. Just one little thing, pedant that I am. The Grenadier Guards are the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards, the 1st Regiment of Foot is (or was) the Royal Regiment of Foot (now the Royal Scots). Both these fine bodies are older than the United States, dating back to the mid 17th century.
Is the actual colour he carried now in the Guards Chapel? There are so many Colours in there. Some of them barely holding together due to singeing and cannon ball damage. We should be encouraging these American onlookers to visit the Chapel.
Watching your reactions to the Trooping of the Colour was fascinating 😊 I’ve never watched it. I’m British by the way, I might have a look next time it’s on
Trooping of the Colour is a ceremony traditionally carried out to allow all members of a Regiment to identify 'their' colour (Regimental flag). In past times the colour acted as a rallying point during battles so knowing what it looked like was vital.
It is also worth noting that the formations and movements displayed in this event reflect how troops moved while fighting in battle, especially during the Napoleonic period.
The Trooping of the colour is practiced months in advance and they complete four Trooping of the Colours in total. The final time is with the Monarch in attendance and is the Official Trooping of the Colour, and the only one that is televised.
Not commonly known is that many of the Guards are on duty for the full 24 hours in other ceremonial roles throughout the city. They are carrying out Guard duties at Buckingham Palace, St James, Tower of London, Windsor etc. and returning to these posts once the Trooping is Finished.
The "Flag" is called The Colour, each Regiment has their own set of Colours, and on these colours are the dates of past Battles that the regiment took part. The Colours originated withhin the Regiments of the British Army so that in a battle Soldiers fighting in the battles would know where their regiment is and would look for and return to the Colours if needed.
Hope this helps you understand some more of the Troop, Great video, cheers from the UK.
As a sort of fictional context watch/read Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe in particular Sharpe's Eagle (with the lovely Sean Bean) in which the King's Colours are taken by the French.
Funny that your London escapade is right at the time of this whole celebration for Her Majesty (You'll deffo see the Guards around The Mall this weekend) - oh visit the Guards' museum on Birdcage Walk next to Wellington Barracks - it'll really give you insight into the Guards and Uniforms.
I love how you say ‘the RAFs’ 😁 . Sadly you won’t just see them anywhere in London unless you’re really lucky, the red arrows (which I think is what you’re imagining when you say the RAF) only come out on special occasions
Edit: I didn’t realise you were coming to the UK! You should be able to see the red arrows no issue from the Mall 😊
I saw them last year in my hometown (Lancashire)...they flew overhead when the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsey Hoyle came home to Chorley and Nancy Pelosi was his guest. Such a great sight to behold...they flew so quick!
You can join the British army at 15 and 9 months (with parent's permission) but won't be deployed abroad until 18. (Training also won't begin until after you are 16) Bear in mind the basic schooling ends at 16 in the UK, to move on to further education or some form of apprenticeship. So by the time you actually attend basic training you would be above school leaving age.
The law requires everyone in the UK to remain in full time education until age 18.
@@marycarver1542 No, there are other options besides the army.
Lifted this directly from the Government website.
You must then do one of the following until you’re 18:
stay in full-time education, for example at a college
start an apprenticeship or traineeship
spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
The army fits the second category.
Another great video, hope you're enjoying your trip!
You mentioned the different coloured plumes in their bearskins (hats) you can tell which regiment they are in by the colour and position:
• Grenadier Guards Left / White
• Coldstream Guards Right / Red
• Scots Guards None
• Irish Guards Right / Blue
• Welsh Guards Left / White-Green-White
You can also tell by the grouping of the buttons on their tunics:
• Grenadier Guards - Singly
• Coldstream Guards - Pairs
• Scots Guards - Threes
• Irish Guards - Fours
• Welsh Guards - Fives
She's not on a balcony for the ceremony, but this may change this year. She's normally on Buckingham Palace's balcony after she's left Horseguards Parade and been taken up the Mall. Once all the procession has passed up the Mall then the police re-open the Mall to the crowds and they all stream towards the Palace. You will then get the balcony appearance by the Royal Family and a flypast by the Red Arrows
Go to the Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace.
I hope you enjoy trip here in UK. And try get used the time different
English and proud. My country is the greatest on earth for pomp, ceremony and brave men who fought for this country in war.
Going tomorrow!
I went a few years back and was opposite the road for horse guards parade on the mall and had an awesome view of everything marching past
There is a video with the full Trooping The Colour on RUclips filmed a few years ago. Back in June 1991 I was sat in a stand on Horseguards Parade for Beating The Retreat of the mass bands of The Royal Marines on a Thursday evening before Trooping The Colour on the Saturday. On Horseguards Parade there is a museum to The Household Cavalry, at Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace there is The Guards Museum both are very interesting and informative. There is a video on RUclips of the full Changing of The Guard by Free Tours by Foot-London, the lady tells you about every detail that happens during The Changing of the Guard.
You lovely people are now a part of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth history and family. What I have seen so far of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations makes me filled with joy and optimism for the future. 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸 xxx
Every service recruit swears allegiance to the Monarch - currently the Queen - and the soldiers, despite ceremonial uniforms, are active soldiers who were probably in Afghanistan a few months ago.
Hope you guys are enjoying your UK trip.
Looks like you brought the weather with you!
The narrator of the event, Huw Edwards, was for many years the "go-to" presenter for important occasions such as this and the announcement of the Queen's death. This year he was sacked from the BBC and found guilty of Sexual Misconduct being in possession of child pornography. He's been found guilty but hasn't been sentenced yet.
You have a picture of Wales on your wall. Wicked. Also love trooping of the colour. I'm ex military so know the drill moves. Theses guys are amazing.
When you mention the RAF it is just singular there is no RAF's as you kept saying.
Hope you enjoy your time here in the UK you picked the right time to come and it looks like the weather going to be kind to xx
Malaysia, as it used to be under British rule, also conducts Trooping the Colour annually. It is known as "Mengarak Panji-panji" in Malay language. Same concept, same format, same purpose. Though, there are differences, when compared with the original Trooping the Colour in Britain, such as language and uniforms (of course), the absence of horse troops, the lack of "spinwheel" formation/movement by Malaysian Brass Band (which I believe only exclusive to British Massed Band), and five royal colours are trooped instead of one regimental colour from one chosen regiment. Out of five royal colours, three of which have emblems of three Malaysia Army regiments/corps, and the remaining two represent Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force, respectively.
The colours are the Flag of the regiment. This was originally taken onto the field of battle and acted as a rallying point. It was therefore important that all the troops knew what it looked like. This ceremony is intended to walk the flag past all the men so they could identify it. The bars on it carry the names of all the battles that the regiment has been involved in.
Changing of the guard takes place every day at the Palace and every afternoon a small change takes place at 4pm in the tilt yard which is a small court yard between Whitehall and Horseguards Parade ground.
William and Catherine got married in 2011. She wasn't a duchess before the marriage.
Trooping the Colour takes place at Horseguards, the opposite end of The Mall from Buckingham Palace.
This ceremony took place after Miss Middleton married Prince William, which is why she was referred to as the Duchess of Cambridge. Now, in 2024, she is the Princess of Wales.
The area where the soldiers do Trooping the Colour is called Horse Guards Parade, which is just off a long road called the Mall, at one end of the Mall is Buckingham Palace. This yearly event is to mark the official Birthday of the Monarch, but it’s different from the actual date of her Birth.
That guy’s not yawning. He’s trying to adjust his chin strap without using his hands. If his chin strap is not in the right place, his bearskin will fall off. I’ve read that if the strap is not in the right place, the bearskin is so heavy that it could snap your neck. Not sure if that’s true!
Here’s a fun fact for you guys. During the Battle of Waterloo, one of Napoleon’s Officers was captured by Wellington’s men. During a very civilised discussion in Wellington’s tent to extract information from the Frenchman, the French Officer asked the English commander, “Sir, permit me to ask, why do you English wear red tunics on the battlefield? They make your men stand out as easy targets, is this not unwise?”
Wellington paused for a moment, then said in a confident tone, “We wear red tunics to mask the sight of blood when our boys get shot. This helps maintain morale when under fire”
After questioning, the French Officer was released, as was the practice of the day amongst the Officer class. Upon return to the French line, the Officer reported the conversation directly to Napoleon.
We don’t know what exactly was said at the time, but interestingly, ever since that battle, French Officer’s uniforms have always incorporated Brown trousers.
Each of the gold scrolls on the flag has the name of a battle in which the regiment fought. I'm pretty sure your military does this too, as I know during your civil war they had the names of previous battles on their flags.
In her younger days the Queen rode a horse, side saddle during the trooping. One year someone in the crowd pointed a gun at her. The guards officer escort jumped off his horse into the crowd to grab the man. Interesting to watch. Nowadays she doesn't ride anymore.
Just checked the year was 1981.
Trooping the color is held on a field called Horse Guard's Parade. - there would be no room at Buckingham Palace. Even Windsor castle isn't big enough. THe trooping is always the same, year after year. There is lots of practice. A few years ago one Guards unit was in Afghanistan and besides the military operation the drummers were practicing because their regiment was going to be the escort to the color. The officer in charge rides a horse and he has to learn the movements - left, right or backwards. I've read that moving a horse backwards is no easy feat.
The feathers in the hats depends on which branch of Guards. My nephew is a Grenadier
The massed bands are from across the guards which is why they are dressed slightly differently
Each guards have their own slight differences to the uniform, different button groupings, colours in the bear skin etc
It’s 17and a half to join the Army and they are ALL volunteers. They love to Parade their Colour and remember those days and occasions all their lives. We were doing this since before time began, almost. Remember, this is not a show for civilians, this is the Army parading their battle honours, their ‘colours’, carried in their many battles, before their Queen. We don’t have tanks, and jets and ships and submarines and missiles like you do, but we have our proud military who will ‘Stand’ and we have ‘health care’ for all, so you can’t have it all. Enjoy!
I joined the British Army as the age of 16, i was on operattions at 18 which is the minimum age for going onto active operations.
Trooping the Colour has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, and since 1748 has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign.
Hi Ethan and Angela
Debra from South Wales here.
I hope you and tbe kids are keeping well and that you will enjoy your trip to the UK
Trooping the Colour is also to celebrate the Queen's official birthday. Her actual birthday is 21 April 1926.
Not only do they accept the colour, they are the regiment who take over protection of the monarch and the royal family by standing on duty by the sentry boxes in Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings, where the monarch my be such as Windsor Castle.
Trooping the Colour takes place at Horseguards Parade, not far from Buckingham Palace, it is just down the Mall, (you can't miss the Mall it is tbe road that is a pinky-red colour).
The royal family stand on Buckingham Palace's balcony once they return to the Palace once Trooping the Colour is over they will then watch a fly-past by the RAF, so I highly recommend you go to the Mall the night before to get a good spot to see everything and everyone March past going to and from Horseguards Parade, it is traditional to sleep out there, plenty of people will be doing so, so the atmosphere will be electric and very exciting.
When she was younger the Queen used to ride her horse Bermese in the parade to take the Salute by inspecting the regiment whilst on Bermese, she always rode sidesaddle, which is a skill in itself. Tbe Queen is an excellent horsewoman.
Prince William and Catherine Middleton got married on 29 Aoril 2011 in Westminster Abbey, (there is video of it on You Tube if ever you want to view it in your own time). Incidentally this is also where the Queen had her Coronation on 2 June 1953.
To correct a seeming misunderstanding, 'trooping the colours' is _not_ the exchanging of the 'flag'. The trooping of the colours was that part of the ceremony where the bearer passed in front of the ranks.
You can join the army at 16 (although I think under 18 you need parents' permission). All of our soldiers look young because they're not allowed to have facial hair; they're required to be really close-shaven & are not allowed to leave any stubble at all.
The blue hackles in their caps are to identify which regiment they are a part of. The legend for this is posted on a sign near Buckingham Palace, although I can't remember of the top of my head myself.
We have a vast expanse of gravel in just west of Whitehall which is only used for Trooping the Colour once a year & the rest of the time it's just a massive area of gravel.
Your allowed to have moustaches in the army I believe and you can ask for permission from your CO to grow a beard. It's also allowed for religious purposes. The plumes on their head gear relate to their location in line formations back in the old line infantry days. For example, if it's on the right they would of been on the right of the formation etc. As scots guards used to be in the centre, this is why they don't have a plume. The colours of the plume are purely for unit distinction.
The coloured plumes in the bearskins are one of the regimental distinctions: Grenadier Guards= white, worn on the left, Coldstream Guards = red, on the right, Scots Guards = none, Irish Guards = St. Patrick’s Blue, worn on the right, Welsh Guards = White-Green-White, worn on the left.
The side of the bearskin the plume is worn is also on the opposite side to where the Regiment parades, so the Grenadiers, as the senior regiment, parade on the right of the line, but because the Coldstream Guards were formed before the Grenadiers the form on the right - “Second to none” as in their motto. The Scots (3rd) Guards have no plume and form in the centre, with the Irish on their left and the Welsh on the right.
"Horse guards parade" is a place in London near the Palace where the horse guards parade. So anywhere around there. Have a look at some apps for a Londoner's guide to London or similar places you are going, or like minded youtubers who would love to show you round. Locals know what they are talking about. Have a good time.
It's right behind Downing Street as well. The PM's office overlooks Horseguards Parade.
What you refer-to as a "flag" is, in military circles, always "The Colour," never the "Flag!"
The slow march is a half-time to the standard quick march. In the slow march, the toe should be pointed downwards as opposed to upwards as one walks or marches; beacuse of the intracacies of it, the heel is more likely to slip (a disaster), so now, when the foot is brought down, it comes down flat with the pressure on the toes to lessen any slip....simple!!
When the colour is received, it is then paraded in front of the particular regiment, before re-forming to lead the general march past the Monarch. Each year it will be the turn of another of the five regiments of the Household Division.
After that has been done, the Horse Guards then move onto the parade ground for their salute to the Monarch.
There are five regiments of Footguards: Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh (here listed in order of seniority). There are two regiments of Horse Guards: the Blues & Royals, and the LifeGuards. Finally, the Royal Horse Artillery (Kings Troop) ride past with their salute. They will usually give a 21-gun salute at about 1pm on the day. Their artillery is 14-pounder field guns dating from the First World War. Nowadays, strange as it may seem, most of the crews are female, and very smart they are!
The colour is the regimental flag on which is listed every major battle the regiment has been involved in, going back hundreds of years.
Have just sent the full ceremony to SoGal.
Will get you the link.
The true stars, of course, are the 2 massive Shire Horses, each carrying 2 huge kettle drums.
William and Kate married 29 April 2011.their kids George 2013, Charlotte 2015 and Louis 2018.when this happened she would have been married.
Queen Elizabeth rode on horseback at the Trooping the Colour from 1947, when her father was king, to 1986, when she pivoted to royal carriages. She spent 18 of those years riding a majestic black mare named Burmese - also a gift, from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.