Trooping the Colour  is a British celebration, which takes place every year in the same place, Horse Guards Parade, London. (see image) It celebrates the Queen's official birthday. Although she was born on April 21st it has been traditional to celebrate the official birthday on the second or third Saturday of June. So the Queen has two birthdays-- kind of lucky.

On the day the celebration always has a parade led by Her Majesty herself who rides on a horse. (see painting) Her current horse is called James. Trooping the Colour  started back in the mid 18th century or even earlier than that. The flags were carried down the ranks of soldiers. Since 1748 the ceremony has been used to recognize the official birthday of the ruling king or queen of that time. It has always happened apart from 1955 when a rail strike cancelled the parade.

The parade is entirely of royal troops who salute to the queen. The queen then carries out an inspection of the soldiers. Then the queen leads the parade to the entrance of Buckingham Palace. (see image) Then a second march takes place. The best place to watch the parade is the other side of St. James Park in London.

Colours are the names given to the flags of the different parts of the army, also known as regiments. The Colours of the flag has the king or queen's (sovereign's) colours with the soldiers' colours. It also has the title, crest and motto of the regiment with the names of battle honours.

A motto is a short sentence or phrase, which is meant to inspire you, and it tells you how to behave