2011 Trooping the Colour

This is the Warrior, one of the family of armoured vehicles being

used by British forces in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and, over

the past 12 months, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards have been

among those on active service there. But today, they are swapping the

Warrior for the smart tunics and bearskins as history is being made

on Horse Guards Parade. For the first time ever an armoured

infantry battalion is taking pride of place at the Queen's Birthday

It is a proud day for all of those taking part in the 59th Birthday

Parade of the Queen's reign, but especially for the 1st Battalion

Scots Guards, accompanied by the pipers in their splendid Royal

Stewart Tartan because they have the honour of tripping their colour

today. It is the first time for nine years that the 1st Battalion

has provided the Escort. Let's not forget this time last year, they

were not here, they were serving in Afghanistan. They are due to return

next year. But for 2011 we have all seven regiments of the Household

seven regiments of the Household Division present in London for the

birthday Parade, the first time for a long time that has happened. And

of course they will be remembering all of those members of the armed

forces, 77, who have lost their lives on active service in the past

12 months. The thousands who attend this event every year do so to pay

tribute and of course to enjoy the unbeatable display of military

drill and music. Among those in the stance, heads of the armed forces,

veterans and their families, diplomats, a senior politicians

including the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary. There will

be thousands watching along the Mall, they will be kept in place by

the street liners, men of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, who were

dip -- deployed to Afghanistan until a few months ago. It is a

very special day for the Irish Guards. Their newly appointed Royal

Colonel will be riding on parade for the first time. That is Prince

William, the Duke of Cambridge, who will emerge from Buckingham Palace

in a short while. His wife Catherine will watch the parade for

the first time as a member of the Royal Family. Those of you wanting

to watch live unedited coverage of this year's parade, especially the

fly-past later, press the red button on the handset. The hallmark

of the parade year after year is that careful preparation, that

that careful preparation, that attention to detail. Clare Balding

can tell us more about it. This is one of the most important -

- impressive sights, this is Achilles. It is his 5th time on

parade. He has had an early morning bath and a hairbrush and he is

going to show the way to this fellow. This is Celt, he is six

years old, it is his first time. He will be looking perfect. They have

to have a lot of training and this guy, Digger, is still a novice. He

is 20 hands high, he is the biggest horse in Great Britain, but they

have to get used to the weight and the vibration of the jumps. There

are no horses for the Scots Guards, they are a Armoured Infantry

Battalion, and their chosen charger We're on day three of our initial

rehearsals for the Queen's Birthday Parade. You're sort of getting rid

of the cobwebs, getting the format of the Parade back into the heads

of the Guards so they'll all be thinking and singing from the same

song sheet. Escort to the Colour... The last time the Battalion trooped

the Colour was in 2002 and I'm hugely conscious of the history and

tradition that has gone before us and all that we will be

representing on the day. Good. Although we are Guardsmen we are an

armoured infantry battalion serving in an operational deployable

brigade. So we have to bring the boys back to basics, you know, arms

swinging together, basic foot drill. All these little movements we'll be

trying to achieve. Force the left arms in against the body! This is

the first time ever that a non- London District Guards Battalion

will troop its Colour. So the boys need to put that extra bit of

effort in because there will be a lot of eyes on the Battalion.

Personal drill has got to be immaculate, very smart. All the kit

has got to be done perfectly, boots have got to be gleaming, brasses

have obviously got to be shining. It is quite daunting having very

limited ceremonial experience to being in front of the eyes of the

world and Her Majesty as the Ensign. Trying to make sure that the

Colours are presented gracefully whilst not being dragged along the

ground is a bit of a challenge for myself, being not the tallest of

The drill just now and the Queen's Birthday Parade is the number one

priority, but you need to keep on top of your, like, soldiering

skills because I was on the drill square yesterday and now I'm doing

the gunnery because as soon as we've finished doing the Queen's

Birthday Parade in June we'll be preparing for our next tour of

Afghanistan again. It will definitely be a lot more

challenging for us, the boys preparing with the Warrior vehicles,

they're gunning, they're driving, they're commanding and then they're

back on the drill square the following day. As Guardsmen we

never say we're nervous, but I'd be lying if I'm saying I'm not nervous

for the boys. This time last year I was always nervous for the boys

when we were in Afghanistan. Knowing them as Scots Guardsmen

then we'll stand tall and we'll show Her Majesty where our Third

The other aspect of their work, 1st Battalion Scots Guards are the only

Armoured Infantry Battalion among the Foot Guards, they are trooping

their colour today. A few specks of rain, let's hope they clearer way

for up the battalion stationed in Catterick in North Yorkshire. The

Catterick in North Yorkshire. The senior company is Right Flank,

providing the Escort today. Another of those companies, B Company, is

providing No 2 Guard today. No 3 Guard is provided by F Company

Scots Guards. Let's have a look at the far end of the parade ground.

That is No 6 Guard, formed by Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards.

Next to them we have No 5 Guard, provided this year by Prince of

Wales Company Welsh Guards. No Welsh Guardsman on parade for the

past two years so good to see them back. No 4 Guard provided by

Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, most of the soldiers passing out of

basic training spend time with Nijmegen Company. There we have the

focus of the parade, the Queen's Colour of the 1st Battalion Scots

Guards, bearing no fewer than 41 of the regiment's 91 battle honours.

The Colour Party is protecting the Colour. The Sergeant of the Lescott,

Colour Sergeant Chris Millin, 24 years of service in the Scots

Guards, his fourth and final birthday Parade. For centuries with

him, Guardsman Christopher Veevers and Thomas Hyams. Everybody taking

orders from one man who has been talking to Clare Balding. We a

whiff Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp. Very proud moment for you and

your Battalion. It is and we have some great weather and hopefully we

will put on a fantastic parade for the Queen, our families and the

great British public, all of whom have been incredibly supportive of

us in Afghanistan and now that we are back. You have to form a very

strong bond with this lady, Burniston, she is 19 now. She knows

what to do. She does, she has done the parade more times than I have.

She came up to Catterick in North Yorkshire in January and I have

tried to ride her pretty much ever since. She is the apple of my eye.

You have bonded. That is fair to say. Is there any particular aspect

of the parade that has been going through your mind? The field

officer always has half the night on the rein back, that is a moment.

I don't really start to enjoy the parade until that is over. But I am

determined to try to enjoy it as well as do my job. We wish you the

best of luck and thank you. Thank you. Someone who knows (will turn

off -- Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp well is my special guests.

Commanding this parade himself in 2009, so he is very familiar with

every detail. He is Colonel Ben Farrell, who until last year it was

Commanding Officer of the Irish Guards. He led the 1st Battalion on

operations in Afghanistan. It is a great honour to have you with us.

Good morning. What are you looking forward to? I am hugely looking

forward to seeing my very good friend Lincoln, as commander of

parade, putting in a stunning performance. We see him considering

what is before him, and the responsibility, what do you make of

that? I remember this moment very well, under the arch and ready to

come out. Recently riding up with Prince William, Lincoln was, before

coming today. Prince William says my grandmother knows this parade

extremely well, knows the details of what everybody should be doing

and saying. No pressure! We will be measuring the pressure a little

later. We are looking forward to a birthday Parade with a distinctly

Scottish flavour. Boosted by the President -- presence of no fewer

than 28 pipers and drummers, a very special quality to the parade. They

have been sharing their shop -- He When they hear the bagpipes and

they're away from home all Scotsmen always think of home. We do take

our pipes to Afghanistan with us and we take the drums which gives

us the opportunity to be able to play some morale-boosting music to

the troops. We put the music together for the Queen's Birthday

Parade whilst still out in Afghanistan. I spoke to Major

Robertson and via e-mail and we put the tunes together. The music will

be played by the Massed Bands of the Household Division and then

indeed the Pipes and Drums. What an amazing mix. Because I'm the junior

piper, I am really looking forward to performing on the Queen's

Birthday Parade. I feel really proud wearing the Royal Stewart

Tartan which is a Tartan of the Regiment and parading of course for

Her Majesty the Queen. Each member of the Pipes and Drums is a fully

trained infantry soldier. I think quite often when people see us on

parade they don't actually even realise that we are soldiers at all.

We are not just musicians. First and foremost, we are fighting

When I was in Afghanistan, part of my job was also as an interpreter,

speaking to locals, we'd sit down and we'd have a cup of tea and a

chat. The relationship with the locals helped the Scots Guards

because they would come up to us and tell us where IEDs were.

Pipes and Drums deployed with the battle group to Afghanistan during

2010. Unfortunately, Corporal Monkhouse was killed in operations.

My friend Stephen Monkhouse was unfortunately killed during an

ambush. He was posthumously awarded the Military Cross. It is something

that the Pipes and Drums have had to bear and it's something that

The music from the Pipes and Drums will breathe a sense of passion and

pride to those listening and marching to it. The minute that

music strikes, there will be no doubt in anyone's mind that this

could only have been a Trooping the The crimson pipe banners on parade,

reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of the pipers in the

Scots Guards. At Buckingham Palace, the first Royal procession is about

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In the first carriage we have the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of

Cambridge, the Duke of York and Prince Harry. The Duchess of

Cambridge, of course, the first time at the Queen's Birthday Parade

as a member of the Royal Family. Her first ceremonial occasion as

the Duchess of Cambridge. Six weeks ago she was the centre of attention

on her wedding day, today still plenty of interest in her presence

and appearance, but the centre of attention today will be Her Majesty

the Queen because it is her The crowds already voicing their

enjoyment and appreciation. Clare Balding is with them. To get in

this position with the perfect view of the carriage procession you have

to be very early. What time did you get it? 7am. Your accents suggest

you have come from further away than down the road. We came all the

way from Michigan in the United States and we are here studying for

a couple of weeks and we had to be here. What is it in particular

about trooping the colour that has grabbed you? We are excited to see

the members of the Royal Family. Excited to see cage and William.

Kate and William. Where have you come from? Cambridge. Did you watch

the Royal Wedding? We watched on the television and came down the

day after. Fantastic. Are you now going to move elsewhere? We will

probably wait to see the horses going backwards and forwards. It is

fantastic to see the horses. We are waiting to see Prince William, the

Duke of Cambridge. He will come past for the first time in Trooping

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The Royal Salute is sounded by the trumpeter of the Sovereign's Escort

Lance Corporal Benjamin Ruffin. The Queen's official birthday is

celebrated seven weeks after her actual birthday in April. Edward

VII created the official birthday in June. There we have Prince

William, the Duke of Cambridge. His first appearance at the Birthday

Parade as Colonel of the Irish Guards.

The other Royal Colonels, Prince of Wales, the Welsh Guards, Duke of

Kent and the Princess Royal, Blues and Royals.

The Duke of Edinburgh who celebrated his 90th birthday

yesterday. The Queen and the Duke have had an

incredibly busy few months, going back to mid-May when they made that

historic state visit to the Republic of Ireland, the first ever

by a British monarch to the Republic. Then just a few days

later they hosted the state visit by the President of the United

States, and Mrs Obama. As part of that ceremonial arrival the Scots

Guards provided a Guard of Honour by that state visit by President

Obama and they'll be much in evidence today, of course.

To underline how busy the Queen and the Duke are going to be, in the

autumn we already know that they'll be making a rift to Australia -- a

visit to Australia, the Queen's 16th official visit to Australia

and that will include the Commonwealth heads of Government

Along the approach road, not far from Horse Guards Parade, the

Duchess of Cambridge and other In the second carriage we have the

Lady Louise Mountbatten winder, -- Windsor, and her father, the Earl

of Wessex there, too. Number 3 Guard has opened up ready

to welcome the guests, when they cross on to the Parade Ground The

Prince Harry saluting The Colour as they cross the parade ground here

at Horse Guards. Already in the stands we have the

Prime Minister, some of his guests clearly prepared for the wet

weather. Hopefully they won't need those tops and acres of plastic as

There they go towards the Horse Guards Arch because they'll be

watching the Parade, from the windows above the arch we can see

they're dressed ready for the occasion, and the office once used

many years ago by the Duke of Wellington, it is the best view of

the parade ground. A magnificent sight along the the

Mall and the Brigade Major leading the way. Lieutenant Colonel Andrew

Speed, it's his first parade in this role, he took over the role of

Brigade Major from Jeremy Bagshaw, who is now serving in Afghanistan

but Jeremy was keen to send a message to his successor today.

have been a Guardsman for 20 years and it's been a enormous privilege

to have been a Brigade Major and run the state ceremonial and the

Queen's parade is the pinnacle of that. I just say don't fall off,

too many people watching and you might be late for the parade. The

other one is that enjoy it. Enjoy it. I did. You rehears so much,

there's not very much to worry about, you just go with the flow

and it's a cracking day. Jeremy's advice to Andrew Speed of

the Scots Guards who is leading the Sovereign's Procession today as

Brigade Major. This year we have an international retinue, three South

Africans, two of whom are brothers, the fourth member is. I am always

struck by the two person as asof the parade. The diversity of

society and the contribution of the Commonwealth nations to our armed

forces are represented. Also reflects in a way the interest

in the parade which seems to get greater every year. It does. I was

very interested to fine out that over a million Germans tuned in to

watch this last year. No doubt, they'll be doing the same again

this year around the world, not to mention the many members of the

British armed forces deployed Captain Kevin Davies, director of

music of the Life Guards, leading the Mounted Bands of the Household

Cavalry, the Queen's Birthday Parade, of course, famous for the

appearance of the Mounted Bands and it's the second time captain Davies

has directed the Mounted Bands for The Sovereign and Colonel-in-Chief,

the Queen has taken salute. In that first time back in 1952, it

was the Scots Guards providing the Prince William, the Duke of

Cambridge, with the other Royal Colonels, as the Mounted Bands turn

into the approach road and they tell the thousands waiting in the

stands that this parade will begin in a few minutes' time.

It's William's first ceremonial duty on horseback, the first time

we have seen him in a bearskin as well. Ben was telling us he's been

We are watching the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh making their way

to this Birthday Parade. As we see the Duke there, it's worth

remembering we have grandfather, father and grandson on parade as

Colonels of Foot Guards Regiments. I think this is the first time in

history this has ever happened so a very special day, not only from my

point of view as an Irish Guardsman but to have Prince William on

parade, but also very much from the point of view of the Royal Family

and the uniqueness of the occasion for them. Prince William riding

Wellesley and Clare was telling us a little about the preparations for

the horses earlier. You know Wellesley rather well, don't you?

do. What a brilliant horse he is. I think that the essence of Lincoln's

presentation reflected the fact that you have to get to a point

where you can ignore the fact that you aren't necessarily confident on

the horse, but you are practised to a degree that you know you can

concentrate on the parade and not worry about what the horse is going

to do next and some of these horses are superbly schooled and it's a

huge ask for them really to tolerate the crowds, the flags, and

all the other movement on the day. So, they are remarkably well

A great sight of the Sovereign's Escort making their way along to

the parade ground. The Life Guards in their red tunics, the Blues and

Royals will follow later, in their dark blue tunics. We can hear some

kwroupbg voices shout -- young voices shouting, I am told there

are 1,000 youngsters from Scouts and Brownies from all over the UK

lining that route. There is a youth enclosure there. Groups are invited

to attend in uniform as representatives of their respective

organisations and there will certainly be some of those

encouraging Prince William and the Queen as they pass on their way to

Jack Hargreaves as the head coachman, his fifth time on parade,

spent 23 years in the army, today riding McCarthy, the head horse is

Jasper. Among those in the stands today there are ten inpensioners

from the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Pension he isers who --

pensioners who always get invited and to enjoy the spect spectacle

today. And now enjoying a little bit of sunshine on Horse Guards

Then we have the non-Royal Colonels following, Lord Guthrie Colonel of

the Life Guards and Lieutenant General James Bucknell of the

stream stream -- Coldstream Guards. At the stroke of 11.00am the Queen

will step on to the saluting base, the Royal Standard will be released.

The Field Officer, Lincoln Jopp, will give his command and then The

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The Queen's first duty is to inspect the line for food Guards,

that is traditionally a company by the Massed Bands and there we have

the senior director of music, Lieutenant General Graham Jones,

his fourth and final Birthday Parade after a long and

He is preparing to conduct a fond Kiss. That is a selection of

melodies associated with the Bard, Robbie Burns. Arranged by Major

Douglas Robertson, who is in amongst the band, that he is

director of music for the Scots Guards, another one of these

distinguished musicians, he has a long career of 40 years behind him.

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A change of Music, to act and be done, arranged by Major Douglas

Robertson. The Queen inspecting the line as her capacity as Colonel-in-

Chief of fork seven regiments of the Household Division. These are

the personal troops of the Queen. The Queen today wearing the brooch

of the regiment, 1st Battalion As the inspection continues,

important underline again what the relationship there is here, the

strength of that relationship. it is a huge leap Europe -- proud

day for all Guardsman today. For household troops, and it is also

worth reflecting, these parades have their origin on the

battlefields. The soldiers would wish us to emphasise that first and

foremost they are fighting soldiers and they are carrying their weapons

today, the weapons they carried in Helmand province and a rack before

that. They are far as Bath first and foremost fighting soldiers who

perform to the excellent standards of the British Army were on parade

for on operations overseas. I have always felt there is so much

rehearsal and preparation to get us to this point in the parade, but

this date is about showing off and each and every soldier thinking I

am the smartest soldier. Showing himself off to his sovereign and

the public. A notable by their absence today, the King's Troop and

Royal Horse Artillery, they have stayed away because of a recent

bacterial infection affecting their horses. The first time they have

missed it in 14 years. We look forward to seeing them again next

year. The procession turns around, past the Major of the Parade, Major

Ben Ramsay of the Welsh Guards. There is the Major General William

Cubitt, his fourth and last time at the Birthday Parade as Major

General Commanding the Household Division, preparing for his

retirement we are told at a farm in Norfolk. You know him well. I do

indeed. After 34 years' service he is retiring. I would like to take

this opportunity to pay a personal tribute to him. Having served under

him in Bosnia in the early 1990s and then successively through the

last two decades and most lately as the Major General Commander of the

Household Division, I think I speak on behalf of all those serving in

the Guards as a whole, to wish him the very best for the future after

a superb career and we look forward to all that lies ahead of him.

fewer than five drum majors on parade, their distinctive state

dress, positioned at the head of each band, responsible for keeping

time. That is that senior Drum Major, Ben Roberts, appointed in

September last year. This is a very big day for him, his first Birthday

Parade. This is my first Queen's Birthday

Parade as a Senior Drum Major. To wear the state dress jacket is

probably the most rewarding thing, especially on Trooping the Colour

as well. This is what my career's all about, you know, I have dreamt

about this job ever since I joined the Army. Being in charge of four

Drum Majors and probably the best Massed Bands in the world on parade

Quite a responsibility for Ben Roberts. Previously in the Corps of

Drums Of the battalion, he returned from Afghanistan in April. His

first duty is to lead the Massed Bands as they play one of the most

famous and popular pieces, Les Huguenots, arranged by Dan Godfrey.

A big moment for the Massed Bands, it signifiers that the Birthday

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either raised a trombone gives the single for the massed bands to

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The quick march is the Glaswegian, a much written by Major James

Howell, director of music at the Scots Guards between 1959 and 1974.

The lone drummer, Lance Corporal Gordon Prescott, has broken away,

marching to a position right of the Escort, preparing to beat the

Drummer's Call that will signal that the next phase of the parade

is under way. Lance Corporal Prescott, who served in

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Afghanistan's last year in the The drummer's call, an echo of the

day when all battlefield commands Remainder, change arms. Stand at

ease. Escort for the Colour in close

The eyes front, which is achieved with no word of command given.

Escort for the Colour will advance. By the left, quick march.

Subaltern gives the order. The familiar tune of the British

As we enjoy the Escort on the move, Ben, it's worth thinking about the

logistical problems they've had in recent months. Yes, it is, Huw. I

remember the year that we did it in 2009 we started our first rehearsal

on 27th April in order to get us properly prepared for today and the

Scots Guards being based in Catterick have had to move to

Pirbright where they conducted rehearsals over the last six weeks

or so. And, I am sure they're very much looking forward to returning

to North Yorkshire in the coming The Escort, will stop 20 paces from

the Colour Party. The music stops, they'll be ready for that transfer

Escort for the Colour, halt. Escort for the Colour in open order, right,

dress. Massed Bands will retire, about turn. The senior director of

music moving through the band to the front ready for this next phase

Guards attention. Change arms. The regimental Sergeant Major,

Warrant Officer Ali Mackenzie marching from the rear of the

Escort, he will be collecting the Ensign. They will then collect the

Colour. Ali Mackenzie, when he was an instructor at Sandhurst had as

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one of his cadets, Officer Cadet MUSIC: The National Anthem

Escort to the Colour, slope arms. The Ensign, Sergeant Major resume

their positions. The Escort for the Colour previously has now become

the Escort to the Colour, ready for Escort to the Colour, change arms.

Escort to the Colour will advance, The Escort advances in slow time.

The tune is Escort to The Colour, arranged by Lieutenant Colonel

Richard Ridings. A mesmerising manoeuvre, the spin wheel,

performed by the Massed Bands. Among those enjoying the spectacle,

The Escort forming into line, very soon the band will cut out and then

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we will be ready for the formal Every eye on the parade ground

trained on the Colour. To the tune of The Grenadier Slow March the

Escort does its duty today. The young Guardsman chosen to carry the

Colour is Lieutenant Tom Ogilvy. He was commissioned into the Scots

Guards in December 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan last year.

He is conscious of his family's military heritage. His great-great

uncle, Sir Gilchrist Ogilvy, served with the Scots Guards, he lost his

life in the Great War. Being the Ensign, it's a huge honour to carry

the Colour of the Battalion and with that goes an expectation to be

the smartest man on parade and really it's a tremendous honour for

me because it's the Guardsmans' colours they put everything into

fighting for them and the pressure I feel is really just doing a job

worthy of them. My primary focus on the day will just be trying to

ensure that I stay in step with everyone behind me, that the

Colours remain off the ground and are presented properly and also I

will probably keep a beady eye out for my mum, give her a little wink

or a nod. Very proud moment. Proud moment for

Tom, including his mother in the stands today. The Colour presented

by the Queen at Windsor back in 2002, the year of the Golden

Jubilee, of course. After the Falklands conflict, and Tumble Down

Mountain. In many ways, its origins are old-fashioned but today I

always think relevance is as strong as ever in the sense it is the

manifest representation of the contribution of a particular

regiment, the history of the British Army and it's interesting

to reflect when you look at the battle honours to see the army

adapt and change to the differing circumstances of the nature of

conflict required at that time and as a history and great story behind

each one of those battle honours which they're enormously proud of.

Equally, I think that the medals are an interesting reflection on

all that's been done by the British Army in the last two decades really.

I was first on this parade in 1992 and most Guardsmen on parade had a

single medal from their contribution to Northern Ireland,

of course, and now many, many soldiers on parade have numerous

medals, really reflecting the huge amount of conflict the army has

been involved in and the contribution these soldiers have

all made. Escort to the Colour will advance. Left turn. Escort to the

colour, change arms. Escort to the Colour, present arms.

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Numbers 1-5 Guards will retire. At the halt, right form. Quick

The Guards reposition and prepare for the march-past when Her Majesty

will take salute. The music is Hazelmere composed by Drum Major

MUSIC: "Hazelmere" by Drum Major Numbers 1-5 Guards will advance.

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Guards well-advanced past in slow and quick time. -- will advance. By

The march past in slow time is under way, have the grand operatic

slow march by Norma, composed by Bellini. If so what we call a

neutral slow march. He at this stage, just wondering what kind of

message people on parade of given before it starts? I think before I

touch on that, it is worth reflecting that Nick is beginning

to feel things are going for according to plan at this stage. I

remember some relief coming to me as we went into the march past.

Having reflective -- reflected of all that the parade means, and

before the morning we did this, I gathered the guards together

because I wanted to try to inculcate a sense they were much

more than the ceremonial sword just you see here, they were rather like

a gladiator is going into a Coliseum and they were going to

show themselves off not only to the nation and our sovereign, but to

our enemies, to see the British Army handle it means to be a

soldier in the British Army. And we would like to send a strategic

message to everybody watching that this army is here on parade, the

way it has been for many years, with all the values and standards

it has always had, reflected here Leading the way, field officer

Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp, followed by the Major of the Parade,

Major ban -- Major Ben Ramsay of the Welsh Guards, who received his

MBE today in the birthday Honours. He has been second in command of

the Welsh Guards since March last Right Flank, senior company 1st

Battalion Scots Guards. I am told that almost Guardsman is David

Crookedake, 6 ft 8 inches tall. -- the tallest Guardsman. It makes you

think these men are big stature, not just physically. Her they

really are. Traditionally the tallest men in the army have been

in the Household Division, but in recent years that has changed. You

can see some very, very tall men on parade and some not so tall men.

They make a huge contribution nevertheless, whatever their size

of their background. Or wherever they are from. Watching with

interest, the Prime Minister, and Among those men, too, in the 1st

Battalion Right Flank, there are brothers, Lance Corporal Steven

Skakle and Guardsman Scott Skakle. They are both from Aberdeen. Steve

in the reconnaissance platoon in B Company and No 2 Guard today.

think they are representative of the many families on parade in so

many ways. We can think of fathers and sons, Brian and Sam O'Gorman

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today, second and third-generation The Queen prepares to recognise the

Colour for as the Scots Guards take The Queen acknowledges, the Ensign

has lowered the standard, it is called the flourish. Colours which

have undergone a bit of restoration this year. The Colour was taken to

Afghanistan twice and Iraq once. The Major General decided in need a

bit of repair work and it is looking magnificent today. The

Ensign raises it, that is called the recover. We have No. 2 card, B

Company, 1st Battalion Scots Guards. The Duke of Kent, Colonel of the

Scots Guards, looking on proudly. He has held that appointment since

1974. No 3 Guard approaching, F The music changes to the Grenadier

Guards slow march, skippered by Handel. No 4 Guard, Nijmegen

MUSIC: "Scipio" by Handel. The music changes again to signal

the arrival of the Welsh Guards. A final change, Figaro by Mozart.

Followed by the Adjutant of the The music changes to Balmoral

Castle, composed by Major James Howe. Field officer rides out and

He will inform the Queen that the first phase of the March Past is

complete. It means he can prepare We are on the ground and you can

appreciate the precision of the movements, the power of the parade

and the richness of the music, which this year has a Scottish

flavour. The pipers are looking resplendent in their Royal Stewart

Tartan and all of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards have new tunics. They

will be particularly grateful that today is not a particularly hot one,

because on a very hot day a Guardsman can lose up to six lbs in

weight. We have a slight breeze and we have had some rain, and it is

very cool, which is a blessing for them and the horses, who are

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waiting patiently. The Household Here with a burst of energy and

purpose and style, the March Past begins in quick time, a neutral

much first of all. The Road To The Isles arranged by Major James

Howell and then we will have Moray Firth, composed by Rod Mackenzie. A

great moment in this year's parade as the pipers move forward, taking

pride of place. 16 Scots Guards pipers, four Irish Guards pipers.

The Scots Guards pipers in full Highland dress, while Stewart

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There are 445 Guardsmen up on parade today and 225 of them are

Scots Guardsmen. One of them, we have mentioned him already,

Regimental Sergeant Major Ali Mackenzie from Stornoway, The Road

To The Isles would naturally be his In among Number 2 Guard Jason

Wharton, who was shot through the legs in Helmand, remarkably been

able to make a full recovery. brilliant to see him on parade. I

pay tribute to the Guardsmen, not only on parade, but widely and all

soldiers of the British Army for their resilience and fortitude

shown in Afghanistan in recent years. It's amazing to see some of

them bounce back from very serious serious injuries so quickly and to

show such utter determination to go back and join their colleagues and

Ready for the march past in quick time, off they go. The Colour this

time at the rear of the Escort. Right Flank. 1st Battalion Scots

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Guards. MUSIC: Hielan Laddie. Quick march of The Grenadier Guards

MUSIC: The British Grenadier. The Rising of The Lark, which is

Milanollo, the march of the And into the neutral quick march

which is called Scottish Emblem, composed by Archie Ellis. The Field

Officer rides out again and salutes the Queen, informing Her Majesty

that the march past in quick time has been completed.

The commanding officer, of course, marking a very proud moment, not

just for him, but his family and his colleagues. He led the Scots

Guards on operations in Afghanistan, leading them again today as they

wish the Queen this happy birthday. Present arms.

We are always striving to produce excellence in action, whether

that's on the Birthday Parade or whether that's in Afghanistan.

These men, they are quite, frankly, some of the most extraordinarily

tough and resilient and brilliant men I have ever come across. These

are the men that I took on operations. These are the men who

received their Afghanistan medal and those same men with that same

medal are going to have the opportunity to look their Sovereign

in the eye as they march past and that's very special for me.

His thoughts on today's duties. I wonder, Ben, how you were feeling

at this stage. Well, Huw, about halfway or so, and you are not

feeling overconfident but you are beginning to feel that it's gone

well, it's going well. I think from all we have seen this morning it's

been a fantastic parade, so far. The Scots Guards are doing a

fabulous job and Lincoln is, too. He will be getting into the swing

of it now, feeling very much it's an occasion to show off and put his

Battalion firmly in front of the Queen. And allowing yourself the

luxury of trying to stop someone familiar in the crowd? I remember

trying to find my wife and children in the crowd. Eventually I did, I

was probably more worried to see if they were behaving themselves, my

children were paying attention or distracting other people. There's a

serious element to the families being here to watch this parade,

because the demands we ask of the soldiers and Lincoln mentioned it

in his piece just now, these are extraordinary special people, the

soldiers we see on parade, but they are supported by truly special

people in their families who stay at home in many ways some of the

easier part is to fight the Taliban, it's very tough to stay at home and

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Shoulder, arms. Officers take post. In open order, left and right,

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dress. Massed Bands, move to the Now a change of pace as the Mounted

Bands of the Household Cavalry move on to the parade ground led by the

drum horses, I saw them being prepared this morning at about

5.00am. They're the only horses in the British Army who hold an

The Household Cavalry now making their way on to the ground led by

the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals behind them. You can see how

impressive they are in numbers. In battle this would have been a

formidable sight. D squadron Household Cavalry regiment has

recently returned from their tour of Afghanistan in May 2011. There

are 250 horses in total in the Household Cavalry mounted regiment.

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235 black horses, 14 Grays and The Sovereign's Escort, the Field

Officer today Major Nicholas van Cutsem. Some will remember him from

Royal wedding day, he was Escort for William and Catherine as they

Captain Simon Lucas riding Empress At the rear we have the Farriers

and their dark blue tunics, carrying their glinting axes. The

Life Guards Farrier there on the The trumpeter of the Life Guards,

cueing the neutral trot, it's called Mondaymusk -- Moneymusk

composed by Daniel Dow. That was Epernay ridden by Benjamin Ruffin.

One in 20 of the Household Cavalry have have ridden before they join

the regiment but what you are seeing here is the bond between a

trooper and his horse, it's based on trust. There's so much to think

about in terms of getting everything right that you can't be

worrying about your horse. The best of them actually know and seem to

learn the commands themselves and in battle that trust was crucial.

Because over a million horses were employed by the British Army in the

World War I. Sadly, only 6 2000 of There are currently 485 horses and

610 dogs in service with the armed forces, the only animals still

employed regularly on current operations are the dogs, tracking

down and attacking the enemy and searching for the wounded and

sniffing out explosives. Take a close look at the chin straps there,

the way they're worn. The Blues and Royals, you can see there there

wear the chin strap on the chin, the Life Guards wear it on the

He the Mounted bands move forward to salute Her Majesty. Crossing

their sticks in their special form Completing the second Birthday

Parade for captain Kevin Davies as It is a great site, mounted fans

wearing the oldest ceremonial uniform in the regular Army. It can

only be worn if a member of the Royal Family is present and that is

by permission of the monarch. There is an exception, at the request of

A lot of interest above Horse Guards Arch, the Earl of Wessex and

the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, Duke of York,

watching with amusement but Waiting for the signal, director of

music turning his horse in to show that everything is ready. Guards,

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Here is the challenge, eyes front, no word of command, ripples down

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My divisions, at a halt, right form. So to the tune of the Adjutant, by

Tom Birkett, the guards forms into six divisions, ready to march off

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Guards, on the Escort, form close The pace at stake is being returned

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to the Regimental Sergeant Major Garrison Sergeant Major Gill

knocked off the Welsh Guards, it is his sharp eye for detail which

guarantees the success of so many of these events. Today, on his

right arm, he is wearing a new badge, new officers badge of rank

which was presented in time for the Field officer prepares to ask Her

Your Majesty's guards are ready to Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp has

sought and received Her Majesty's permission. He will now reposition

himself on the St James' Park flank of Horse Guards Parade. As we make

the final preparations for the end Some of the departures already

taking place. Those members of the Royal Family watching the parade

from the Duke of Wellington's of office have already left and are on

the Mall. They are in lovely sunshine. There we have Prince

Harry saluting, a very broad smile from Catherine, Duchess of

Cambridge, her first Birthday Parade as a member of the Royal

Family. Indeed her first ceremonial occasion since that wedding at the

Prince Harry, who was promoted to captain within the Army Air Corps

earlier this year in recognition of his service in the armed forces,

now known as Captain Harry Wales in There we have the Earl of Wessex,

Prince Edward. Today wearing the uniform of the London Scottish in

his role of Royal Colonel of the London Regiment, that the

appointment was made on 1st May this year. It is a Territorial Army

infantry battalion with in the Guards Division. Lady Louise, of

course, smiling and looking as if she is enjoying every moment of the

day, as she did on the Royal Wedding when she was one of the

Back on Horse Guards Parade. The Massed Bands leading the way for

The march of music, the crags of Tumbledown Mountain, including the

wonderful sound of the pipes composed by James Riddle and

arranged by Michael Gray. A quick word about the tune because it was

apparently composed in the days immediately following the Battle of

Tumbledown Mountain in that effort If a word on those who were missing

from today's parade, the space behind the wood normally have been

filled by the King's Troop. We hope they will be back next year, and

warm wishers in retirement as Bath diggers, who has done 16 birthday

parades, now retired at the grave - - grand old age of 21. -- Spartacus.

The crowds here was so looking forward to seeing Prince William

riding and Trooping the Colour for the first time, and also Catherine,

Duchess of Cambridge. They have not been disappointed and it has been a

hugely enjoyable and impressive tomorrow the Queen and Duke of

Edinburgh will be attending the service in St George's Chapel,

Windsor. That is a special service to Mark Viduka's 90th birthday and

will be followed by a reception at Windsor Castle. -- to mark the Duke

A rousing cheer traditionally sounded when the drums stop playing

in the black bear. Punctuating the They turn on to the Mall and it is

a good moment to ask you, Ben, as you make your way along the Mall

and as Commanding Officer, you are riding alongside Her Majesty, what

is that experience? It is a mixture between relief and disbelief, I

suppose, that you have successfully completed its without forgetting a

single word, as Lincoln has done today. Without a horse managing to

do something he should not have done. You're going down the Malc

extremely happily, looking forward to going back into Buckingham

Palace for a drink with the Royal Family. I remember going into

Buckingham Palace and riding next to the Prince of Wales, he turned

to me and said that must be a relief. He was right. I mustn't

forget the fact that after the parade, many of the soldiers go on

to duties and they mount the Queen's Guard for another 24 hours

and will be guarding Her Majesty in As the Queen and the Duke of

Edinburgh make their way back to the Palace, our coverage of the

parade on BBC One comes to an end. But don't forget, as I mentioned

earlier, you can see the fly-past, and it is today going to be very,

very impressive, and the traditional balcony appearance,

they will happen in a short while, you can press your red button and

we will have continuing coverage. We will include all of that in the

highlights this evening on BBC Two at 7:30pm. The 59th Birthday Parade