Soldiers turn out in full pomp and pageantry in London parade to mark queen's birthday

6/14/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS
  • Britain-Royals-12

    Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, right, leaves in a horse drawn carriage to attend the Trooping the Colour parade, in central London, Saturday, June 14, 2014. Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her birthday with traditional pomp and circumstance. More than 1,000 soldiers, horses and musicians are taking part in the parade known as “Trooping the Color,” an annual ceremony.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    • Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, leaves Buckingham Palace in a horse drawn carriage to attend the Trooping the Colour parade today in central London.
    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, leaves Buckingham Palace in a horse drawn carriage to attend the Trooping the Colour parade today in central London.

    LONDON — Hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial dress have marched in London in the annual “Trooping the Color” parade to mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

    The queen and her husband Prince Philip rode in a vintage horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace, inspecting more than 1,000 soldiers in a traditional display of pomp and pageantry. Many of the troops wore tall bearskin hats and red military tunics for Saturday’s ceremony.

    “Trooping the Color” originated from traditional preparations for battle, when flags were carried or “trooped” down the rank for soldiers to see.

    The queen turned 88 on April 21, her actual birth date, which is usually celebrated in private. The monarch traditionally marks her birthday publicly in June.