Welsand's in London

The troops participating in the parade are drawn of fully trained, operational troops from the Household Division. The Queen's Colour of a battalion of Foot Guards is 'trooped' (carried along the ranks) each year before the Sovereign. Only one colour can be trooped at a time, and the five Household Regiments - Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards take their turn each year. There were about 1,000 soldiers participating in the event!

The ceremony derives from two old military ceremonies, Trooping the Colour and Mounting The Queen's Guard. The origin of the ceremony goes back to the early eighteenth century, and possibly even earlier, when the guards and sentries for the Royal Palaces and other important buildings in the capital were mounted daily on the parade ground by the Horse Guards building.

The ceremony was unbelievable! The only thing that could have made it any better was if the Queen was there. This really was a very unique experience. There were so many soldiers and horses, it was incredible! Well worth the 10 pound ticket! I would highly recommend this event! I truly enjoyed it, as did the other three women that came with me. For more photos see our Shutterfly account.

Jeremy unfortunately was out of the country for work and missed it, but he had his own fun in New York and got to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty. Two great experiences in two different countries.