2012

:00:13. > :00:22.Every year on a Saturday in June, the Sovereign's official birthday

:00:22. > :00:24.is celebrated with the ceremony of Trooping the Colour. And this year

:00:24. > :00:27.many uniforms will feature the Diamond Jubilee Medal, as the

:00:27. > :00:37.soldiers of the Household Division present their own birthday tribute

:00:37. > :01:00.

:01:00. > :01:03.to the Queen. The custom of honouring the Sovereign's birthday

:01:03. > :01:09.with a grand military parade goes back 200 years to the early 19th

:01:09. > :01:12.century. Some 1,200 troops will feature in today's event. The

:01:12. > :01:14.Escort, lead by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards whose colour is

:01:14. > :01:20.being trooped today, it's their first opportunity to provide the

:01:20. > :01:23.Escort since 1999. The guards are assembled in two ranks, a tribute

:01:23. > :01:33.to Wellington's tactics in battle and a reminder that these soldiers

:01:33. > :01:37.

:01:37. > :01:39.on parade today are trained and ready to fight. British forces have

:01:39. > :01:41.sustained more losses in Afghanistan in recent weeks

:01:41. > :01:48.bringing to 418 the number of British Forces personnel who've

:01:48. > :01:51.died while serving there since operations started in October 2001.

:01:51. > :01:56.Some 8,000 people are watching from the stands and around Horse Guards

:01:56. > :01:58.Parade today. Those invited include ambassadors and diplomats from the

:01:58. > :02:00.Commonwealth and beyond. Senior military figures and senior

:02:00. > :02:07.government ministers including Philip Hammond, who's attending his

:02:08. > :02:10.first birthday parade as Defence Secretary. There are more than 250

:02:10. > :02:13.soldiers lining the processional route along the Mall they're made

:02:13. > :02:15.up of 12 Foot Guards half-companies, comprising 14 officers and 240 men

:02:16. > :02:25.from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and 1st Battalion Irish

:02:26. > :02:27.

:02:28. > :02:33.Guards. In a short while, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and other

:02:33. > :02:38.members of the Royal Family will leave for Horseguards.

:02:38. > :02:42.This year's coverage will be slightly longer than yuerbl in the

:02:42. > :02:47.Diamond Jubilee year. We are staying on air to give you live

:02:48. > :02:53.coverage of the balcony appearance after the parade and the fly-past,

:02:53. > :03:03.the most spectacular for years and continuous unedited coverage on the

:03:03. > :03:07.

:03:07. > :03:12.Red Button. There have been two full-scale practises for the

:03:12. > :03:18.Trooping of the Colour today. This is an underground car park, a

:03:18. > :03:22.temporary home for the King's Troop who relocated from their base in St

:03:22. > :03:27.John's Wood to wool wish. They have been here for a few weeks, they

:03:27. > :03:31.have been up early, making the horses look great and the guns that

:03:31. > :03:35.have been rebuilt, cleaned inside and out. The tackle here it dates

:03:35. > :03:40.back to the First World War. Rachel has been on this one for about an

:03:40. > :03:46.hour to clean it. These are small, chunky, sturdy

:03:46. > :03:51.horses. Different to those in the Household Cavalry. They have the

:03:51. > :03:56.mames hocked and chalks used here to ensure that all marks are gone.

:03:56. > :03:59.Also aiming for perfection are our Escort. We join them to see how

:03:59. > :04:05.their preparation has been going. The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

:04:05. > :04:08.has had a busy summer. Receiving new Colours colours from Her

:04:08. > :04:14.Majesty the Queen. Providing a guard honour in the state opening

:04:14. > :04:18.of Parliament. At all times staying focused on the next deployment.

:04:18. > :04:25.The demand is always focused on the operations coming up, past and

:04:25. > :04:29.present, but a director from the garrison the other day was to get

:04:29. > :04:33.everyone have the operations out of their heads, this is about the

:04:33. > :04:39.ceremony. Don't mess up. Get it right. Don't let anyone down. Too

:04:39. > :04:43.much work has gone into it. I would feel awful if I did anything wrong.

:04:43. > :04:47.The main thought this year is to make sure that the dressing left

:04:47. > :04:53.and to the right is immaculate. Without the straight lines when we

:04:53. > :04:58.are going around it throwing everything out.

:04:58. > :05:03.I'm not great horseman. I started to ride in September of last year.

:05:03. > :05:08.I am definitely struggling, but hopefully it should come right on

:05:08. > :05:11.the day. Everybody knows the Parade, the format. Everyone is getting

:05:11. > :05:16.into the right position at the right time. Then you have to get

:05:16. > :05:21.into the individuals, to tweak them, to ensure that the hands are in the

:05:21. > :05:26.right position, the chins, maybe raising your voice slightly on the

:05:26. > :05:31.odd occasion. To be able to go out there in front of millions of

:05:31. > :05:34.people to perform the Escort for the Colour it will be an absolute

:05:34. > :05:40.honour. I am likely to be thinking about

:05:40. > :05:45.what a huge honour it is to be taking part in the Parade, but I

:05:45. > :05:49.will be concentrating on stayingen the horse! There is no better

:05:49. > :05:53.motivation than getting it right than the Queen taking inspection on

:05:53. > :05:56.the day. I would like to think that all of us are thinking that today.

:05:56. > :06:02.Holding honour as fine Coldstreamers do.

:06:02. > :06:06.A sense of the intense build-up to the parade. So the Escort provided

:06:06. > :06:12.by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. It is the oldest regiment

:06:12. > :06:16.intownous service in the British Army. One of seven regiments in the

:06:16. > :06:23.Household Cavalry. These are the personal troops of Her Majesty the

:06:23. > :06:31.Queen. The 1st battalion is providing an elite service. The 1st

:06:31. > :06:37.Battalion Coldstream Guards priing Nos two and three guards. We have

:06:37. > :06:42.No.6 Guard found by F Company Scots Guards.

:06:42. > :06:47.80% of them are new to this parade. Then the 1st Battalion Irish Guards,

:06:47. > :06:50.over the summer they are providing lots of the security force for the

:06:50. > :06:58.Olympic rowing and canoeing down in Windsor.

:06:58. > :07:02.A look at No.4 Guard, Grenadier Guards. On top of ceremonial duties,

:07:02. > :07:09.the companies providing support to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

:07:09. > :07:12.serving in Afghanistan. They are serving with the Willie

:07:12. > :07:16.Walsh who deployed to Helmand province earlier this year. They

:07:16. > :07:21.sent a brief message for the parade. From all of us in Afghanistan, we

:07:21. > :07:26.wish you the best of luck on the parade today. We are looking

:07:26. > :07:31.forward to taking sentences next year.

:07:31. > :07:37."Cymru am Byth"! A rousing "Cymru am Byth" as the Colour parties

:07:37. > :07:42.settle in. Let's say a few words about the regiment al Colour. The

:07:42. > :07:50.new colour presented by the Queen a month ago. The Queen's Colour of

:07:50. > :07:56.1st Battalion carrying 44 of the regiment's 144 battlements. It is

:07:56. > :07:59.the 16th June of it marks the 269th anniversary of the Battle of

:07:59. > :08:03.Dettingen. Colour Sergeant Paul Baines was awarded the Military

:08:03. > :08:08.Cross for his braery in Afghanistan in 2010, when he came to the aid of

:08:08. > :08:12.two comrades injured in a roadside bomb attack, despite being under

:08:13. > :08:16.intense enemy fire. One of four Military Crosses awarded to

:08:16. > :08:20.Coldstreamers in recent years. We are talking to his family later on

:08:20. > :08:26.in the programme. He is planked by Guardsman Gareth Etherington and

:08:26. > :08:31.Guardsman Kyle Dunbar. And the Officer Commanding today's

:08:31. > :08:36.parade, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, the formal title

:08:36. > :08:39.is Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant. He has been talking to

:08:39. > :08:43.Clare about the challenges he is facing today.

:08:44. > :08:49.I am back stage with a real professional. This is Burnaston.

:08:49. > :08:56.She is 20 and knows what she is doing. Rob, that is a comfort?

:08:56. > :09:01.really is. She is not the flashy horse of the stable, but steady. I

:09:01. > :09:06.can rely on her. For an infantryman like me, it is fantastic to be

:09:06. > :09:11.doing the parade with her. How proud a day is this for the

:09:11. > :09:15.battalion? It is very proud. On the one hand, Trooping the Colour for

:09:15. > :09:18.the Queen is something that we take seriously. Of course this year the

:09:18. > :09:21.world's hies are on London with the Diamond Jubilee and with the

:09:21. > :09:25.Olympics as well. So a challenge and a different one

:09:25. > :09:29.for the guardsmen? There have been challenges this year that are extra.

:09:29. > :09:33.There is no question about that. We have played a large part in a

:09:33. > :09:37.number of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, that has made the

:09:37. > :09:40.preparation more disruptive than it might have been. The boys have work

:09:40. > :09:43.very hard around that. We are set for a good parade.

:09:43. > :09:48.I know that the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards had a number of

:09:48. > :09:53.really good candidates for the role of Ensign it was Rob's task to

:09:53. > :09:58.choose who should have it. One young officer takes centre stage at

:09:58. > :10:02.the Queen's birthday parade. We went to Sandhurst to meet the

:10:02. > :10:06.Coldstreamers competing for the role of Ensign.

:10:06. > :10:13.To be in front of the Queen will be overwhelming. It is not something

:10:13. > :10:19.that you take lightly it will be a nervous time for me, yes. My father

:10:19. > :10:24.was an Ensign in the 76 birthday parade it will mean a lot, having

:10:24. > :10:28.seen the photos, to hear his memories of it, to have my own.

:10:28. > :10:33.will mean a huge amount to me. There is a great responsibility if

:10:33. > :10:39.you are filling in the rather huge boots.

:10:40. > :10:44.Whoever gets to be the Ensign it will be a very well done, friendly

:10:44. > :10:50.pat on the back and we will catch up with a drink after.

:10:50. > :10:54.I am looking for someone who has proven professionally, but who also

:10:54. > :11:01.has a great sense of humour and is able to look after his men and lead

:11:01. > :11:05.from the front. On leaving Sandhurst, the officers

:11:05. > :11:08.are sent on infantry training. The perfect opportunity to show the

:11:08. > :11:12.qualities needed to be the ideal Ensign.

:11:12. > :11:17.They will be tired, stressed. You can't see much. So they will be

:11:17. > :11:21.working hard to identify what is going on. Around here this is

:11:21. > :11:27.important for the role that we can do. If we can get this right, it

:11:27. > :11:32.will be good for the person on the day of the Troop. The role of the

:11:32. > :11:42.Ensign, many people think is it a ceremonial role, that is all that

:11:42. > :11:43.

:11:43. > :11:48.it is, but it is a battle soldier. It is May, we are in Pirbright, the

:11:48. > :11:50.location where we practise for the Troop. We have selected the Ensign,

:11:51. > :11:55.it is 2nd Lieutenant Hugo Codrington, he will be out on the

:11:55. > :11:59.parade for the first time today. is wonderful news to discover I'm

:11:59. > :12:04.the Ensign. A great way to start life in the regiment. Hopefully I

:12:04. > :12:08.will not mess it up on the day for the guys who will be working hard

:12:08. > :12:13.over the next month. I think that Hugo is a very

:12:13. > :12:17.accomplished young officer. He has good people skills. He cares

:12:17. > :12:20.passionately about the men. That has come across in spades. I am

:12:20. > :12:24.confident that the drill will go well as well.

:12:24. > :12:27.So, the proudest of days for 2nd Lieutenant Hugo Codrington. We are

:12:27. > :12:31.hearing more about his family's links with the 1st Battalion

:12:31. > :12:36.Coldstream Guards later on. Someone who knows every detail of this

:12:36. > :12:42.event is my guest once again this year. He commanded the parade

:12:42. > :12:47.himself back in 2009, he is Colonel Ben Farrell. A warm welcome, Ben.

:12:47. > :12:49.Thank you, Huw. A very good morning and good morning to the viewers and

:12:49. > :12:53.to those watching us from Afghanistan.

:12:53. > :12:59.Let's talk about the Field Officer. You have been there and done it,

:12:59. > :13:06.what is going through his mind now? I've been talking to Rob. He seems

:13:06. > :13:11.relaxed and confident. Way -- I was feeling this way myself at this

:13:11. > :13:16.time. I have to say the Chief of Defence Staff, you know that the

:13:16. > :13:22.hierarchy of the nation, you begin to feel with all of that pun you,

:13:22. > :13:29.this is a bad day to fluff your lines! The first of the Royal

:13:29. > :13:39.carriages will be arriving in a few minute's time. That departure is

:13:39. > :13:39.

:13:39. > :14:33.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:14:33. > :14:37.The Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess

:14:37. > :14:39.Eugenie of York. In the second carriage there, and the first

:14:40. > :14:43.carriage we saw the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of

:14:43. > :14:47.Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Duchess of Cambridge who presented

:14:47. > :14:52.shamrocks to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

:14:52. > :14:56.this year. Representing her husband, the Duke of Cambridge. He will be

:14:56. > :15:00.riding today as Colonel of the Irish Guards. So as the Sovereign's

:15:00. > :15:06.procession is about to get under way. Let's join Clare Balding once

:15:06. > :15:11.again. I m right outside of Buckingham

:15:11. > :15:19.Palace with Captain Roly Spiller. A busy summer for you.

:15:19. > :15:23.Yes, most of the soldiers on parade today were on parade last week for

:15:23. > :15:27.the procession of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee now we are back

:15:27. > :15:31.here for the birthday parade for the Queen. It is very special and

:15:31. > :15:41.in the Jubilee Year we are looking forward to taking part.

:15:41. > :15:43.

:15:43. > :15:47.The horses have to concentrate hard. We will take them to Norfolk. We

:15:47. > :15:50.take them down to the beach and we ride them bare back in the waves

:15:50. > :15:54.which is a really different experience for the horses. Most of

:15:54. > :15:59.them won't have seen the sea before until we take them down and it

:15:59. > :16:09.develops the trust and a chance to cut loose a bit.

:16:09. > :16:09.

:16:09. > :16:55.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:16:55. > :17:00.The Royal salute sounded by the Field Officer's trumpeter as The

:17:00. > :17:03.Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh depart. They make their way towards

:17:03. > :17:07.Horse Guards Parade and a new development for us this year

:17:07. > :17:10.because The Queen and the Duke travelling in the glass coach today.

:17:10. > :17:15.Buckingham Palace says this is because of the unpredictable nature

:17:15. > :17:23.of today's weather. A glass coach which has been in regular use over

:17:23. > :17:30.the past century for many Royal weddings including the wedding of

:17:30. > :17:35.the young princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. The

:17:35. > :17:38.Duke of Edinburgh celebrated his 91st birthday last Sunday and he

:17:39. > :17:47.missed some of the Jubilee celebrations because of ill health

:17:47. > :17:56.and we have the Royal Colonels following.

:17:56. > :18:02.A great scene along the Mall. The short journey, just under a mile,

:18:02. > :18:07.to Horse Guards Parade from Buckingham Palace.

:18:07. > :18:11.The Duke of Edinburgh who left hospital a few days ago, after his

:18:11. > :18:14.ill health and the Palace say say he was determined to attend today's

:18:14. > :18:23.parade. Last night he host add dinner at Buckingham Palace --

:18:23. > :18:33.hosted a dinner at Buckingham Palace in his capacity as Colonel

:18:33. > :18:39.

:18:39. > :18:44.This is the scene along the Mall as the first carriages approach Horse

:18:44. > :18:49.Guards Parade. The Duchess of Cambridge, in the past year she has

:18:49. > :18:56.carried out her first solo Royal event and that was seen to be a

:18:56. > :19:01.great success. And Prince Harry, he has spent the last week on

:19:01. > :19:11.predeployment training in srving. In Suffolk. He is a fully

:19:11. > :19:24.

:19:24. > :19:29.operational pilot with the Army Air Lots of cheering from the crowds

:19:29. > :19:33.who have gathered here for the past two or three hours before the

:19:33. > :19:43.parade got underway. The first glimpse of the of the Duchess of

:19:43. > :19:47.

:19:47. > :19:49.Cambridge and Prince Harry. So these are the first carriages

:19:49. > :19:55.approaching Horse Guards Parade. What will happen, as they approach,

:19:55. > :19:59.we saw earlier that Number 3 guard had parted to make way for the

:19:59. > :20:09.first Royal guests. When they arrive on the parade ground, there

:20:09. > :20:10.

:20:10. > :20:56.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:20:56. > :21:06.will be the National Anthem to Prince Harry salutes the Colour,

:21:06. > :21:07.

:21:07. > :21:11.wearing the uniform of a Blues and Royals officer, decorated with the

:21:11. > :21:15.medals of the Army Air Corp. The Royal party will have the best view

:21:15. > :21:21.in the house. They will be watching the parade from the Major General's

:21:21. > :21:30.Office which overlooks Horse Guards. It is the office once used by the

:21:30. > :21:35.Duke of Wellington as commander-in- chief of the British Army.

:21:35. > :21:41.Both sides of the Mall decked in Union Jacks as they were for the

:21:41. > :21:45.jubilee events. The the flags will be flying on all Government

:21:45. > :21:54.buildings until sunset and that's to mark the sovereign's birthday in

:21:54. > :21:58.the traditional way. Leading the parade is Andrew Speed. It is his

:21:58. > :21:59.job to make sure everything is up to scratch for the Queen's birthday

:21:59. > :22:02.to scratch for the Queen's birthday parade.

:22:03. > :22:06.It is our demonstration to the monarch of our commitment to her

:22:06. > :22:09.and it is a celebration of the fact that she has dedicated herself to

:22:09. > :22:15.the military and to the nation for 60 years. Sadly, this is my last

:22:15. > :22:22.year as the Brigade Major. I have been lucky enough to work with a

:22:22. > :22:25.really good team who hard work hard to produce these events. I am

:22:25. > :22:35.looking forward to what will be a cracking parade.

:22:35. > :22:36.

:22:36. > :22:46.Today, the Brigade Major is wearing a precious bearskin. It is on loan

:22:46. > :22:52.from the varn Varney family. Andrew Speed has promised to return it in

:22:52. > :22:58.perfect condition. The Blues and Royals was formed in

:22:58. > :23:06.1949. The Blues and Royals with their

:23:06. > :23:14.dark blue tunics and they are wearing the State helmet designed

:23:14. > :23:16.by Prince Albert back in 1942. They are followed by the glorious sound

:23:16. > :23:19.of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, whose appearance

:23:19. > :23:25.is one of the high points of the birthday parade.

:23:25. > :23:32.The band directed by Captain Jason Griffiths. It is his first time in

:23:32. > :23:36.this role at Trooping the Colour. There we can see at the heart of

:23:36. > :23:40.the procession, the Queen's carriage, a bit further back,

:23:40. > :23:46.proceeded by the first and Second Divisions of the Sovereign's Escort,

:23:46. > :23:50.provided by the Blues and Royals. The Life Guards in their red tunics,

:23:50. > :23:53.well, we will see them later because they are providing the

:23:53. > :24:03.third and fourth divisions of the third and fourth divisions of the

:24:03. > :24:06.

:24:07. > :24:11.A remarkable thing to note today that The Queen, as sovereign and

:24:11. > :24:20.colonel of chief, has taken the salute every year really and

:24:20. > :24:24.certainly since that first time after the accession in 1952. Her

:24:25. > :24:29.first major ceremonial event since her father's death. Her Majesty is

:24:29. > :24:33.taking the salute at every single parade that was held, there was one

:24:33. > :24:41.cancelled in the 50s because of a rail rail strike, but every one

:24:41. > :24:47.that's been held since the accession 60 years ago.

:24:47. > :24:52.A glimpse for us there of the Royal Colonels. The Duke of Cambridge who

:24:52. > :24:55.will be celebrating his 30th birthday this month, on 21st June,

:24:55. > :25:02.The Prince of Wales, colonel of the Welsh Guards who has been awarded

:25:02. > :25:12.the highest rank in all three military services by The Queen.

:25:12. > :25:15.

:25:15. > :25:20.The Duke of Kent, of the Scots Guards and the Prince the Princess

:25:20. > :25:30.Royal, colonel of the Blues and Royals.

:25:30. > :25:30.

:25:30. > :26:45.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:26:45. > :26:48.We mentioned the Royal Colonels, we have the non Royal colonels too and

:26:48. > :26:54.have the non Royal colonels too and Ben has a word to say about them.

:26:54. > :26:58.It is nice to see General James Buck nel who is a friend of mine.

:26:58. > :27:08.He made an enormous contribution to our operations. He flew back from

:27:08. > :27:18.

:27:18. > :27:23.Afghanistan last year to attend and One of the regular fe features of

:27:23. > :27:29.the birthday parade, cheers of hundreds of children in the youth

:27:29. > :27:36.enclosure and we can hear them clearly today. This year's

:27:36. > :27:46.invitations were sent out to the boys and girls brigades and the

:27:46. > :27:51.

:27:51. > :27:56.The Queen's head coach man is Mark Hargreaves who spent 23 years in

:27:56. > :28:00.the Army including nine years with the kings troop. They will be

:28:00. > :28:04.making a dramatic entrance later on on the parade ground. As I say, the

:28:04. > :28:07.glass coach today, a new departure for us at the birthday parade, we

:28:07. > :28:12.have never seen it before and that's because Buckingham Palace

:28:12. > :28:17.says that the weather is rather unpredictable. Of course, The Duke

:28:17. > :28:27.of Edinburgh, who has not been well recently, it gives him a greater

:28:27. > :28:27.

:28:27. > :28:33.degree of protection as well. The Chelsea Pensioners represented

:28:33. > :28:39.by ten pensioners today with a combined service of 211 years, led

:28:39. > :28:41.by the Captain of Invalids, Major Philip Shannon who used to be

:28:41. > :28:47.Director of Music of the Irish Guards.

:28:47. > :28:57.On to the parade ground itself and Mark Hargreaves is preparing to

:28:57. > :29:00.

:29:00. > :29:08.produce his distinctive salute of the Colour using the whip.

:29:08. > :29:18.The Royal Colonels saluting as they pass the Colour and the non-Royal

:29:18. > :29:20.

:29:20. > :29:25.colonels, Lord Guthrie and and Lieutenant General James Buck nel

:29:25. > :29:32.will do like wise. The Queen will step on to the

:29:32. > :29:42.saluting base. The Royal standard Royal Royal Standard will be

:29:42. > :30:12.

:30:12. > :30:22.released and the National Anthem The the Lieutenant Colonel prepares

:30:22. > :30:22.

:30:22. > :32:06.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:32:06. > :32:09.So, the Queen's first duty is to inspect her troops. This is

:32:09. > :32:12.Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Barnwell's first birthday parade as

:32:12. > :32:17.the senior Director of Music, appointed in November of last year.

:32:17. > :32:23.Just in time for the enormous challenges of 2012 with the Diamond

:32:23. > :32:33.Jubilee and the Olympic Games. He is kicting (Slave chorus from

:32:33. > :32:52.

:32:52. > :33:02.Nabucco) -- conducting. MUSIC: 'Va Pensiero' (Slave chorus

:33:02. > :33:02.

:33:02. > :35:15.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:35:15. > :35:20.MUSIC: 'Va Pensiero' (Slave chorus The music changes to West Country

:35:20. > :35:27.songs. An arrangement of songs associated with the West Country,

:35:27. > :35:34.where the Royal Horse Artillery have a tradition of selecting music.

:35:34. > :35:36.The Queen travelling in the glass coach. She will be wearing the

:35:36. > :35:41.brooch of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

:35:41. > :35:44.Ben a lot is said about the very deep and meaningful relationship

:35:44. > :35:49.between these troops on the parade today and Her Majesty. Can you shed

:35:49. > :35:53.a little more light on that? Yes, Huw, the Queen is the Colonel-in-

:35:53. > :35:57.Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Cavalry. The five

:35:57. > :36:01.regiments of Foot Guards and the two regiments of the Household

:36:01. > :36:04.Cavalry. She has had an enduring and very

:36:04. > :36:09.special relationship with the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry

:36:09. > :36:19.for many years. Of course, perhaps, even stronger these days, when we

:36:19. > :36:24.witnessed three generations of the Royal Family on parade. Of course,

:36:24. > :36:29.not forgetting that bother her grandsons are serving with the

:36:29. > :36:39.Guards. They take a pride in being the personal bodyguards of Her

:36:39. > :36:48.

:36:48. > :36:55.Saluting the kiengs troupe. The Royal Horse Artillery, whose lead

:36:55. > :37:05.gun financials at their Colour. That is why they are given their

:37:05. > :37:09.

:37:09. > :37:16.salute as the procession passes that point.

:37:16. > :37:20.In charge of all of the soldiers on the parade today is Major-General

:37:20. > :37:23.Norton. He commanded this parade himself in 2003 and 2004. He's been

:37:23. > :37:28.sharing his thoughts on his new role.

:37:28. > :37:32.My personal experience began in 1985 as a young officer fresh out

:37:32. > :37:37.of Sandhurst when I commanded a half company of street liners. Most

:37:37. > :37:42.recently it saw me commanding the parade both in 2003 and 2004.

:37:42. > :37:48.I was the Commanding Officer. A successful ceremonial calls for

:37:48. > :37:52.teamwork, attention to detail, discipline and alof these qualities

:37:52. > :37:57.translate directly to the battlefield. Albeit that the days

:37:57. > :38:01.of marching in straight lines on the battlefield are long gone.

:38:01. > :38:07.George Norton is one of several key figures taking part in the parade

:38:07. > :38:11.in a new capacity. The senior Director of Music, his musicians

:38:11. > :38:17.are making such an important contribution to this event.

:38:17. > :38:21.To be the senior of the Director of Music is the Queen's birthday is a

:38:22. > :38:26.dream come true for me. When a regiment of guards march past, the

:38:26. > :38:31.shoulders go back, the chest is out. The pride is bist bristling through

:38:31. > :38:37.the whole of their body language. It is really state ceremonial at

:38:37. > :38:41.its height. The Scarlett and the gold glinting. The Massed Bands and

:38:41. > :38:47.Her Majesty the Queen to preside over the proceedings. It is a

:38:47. > :38:52.wonderful occasion. So, the parade stands by for one of

:38:52. > :39:01.the most popular military marches known everywhere in the world.

:39:01. > :39:03.First played back in 1869. Is a big moment for the Massed Bands Of The

:39:03. > :39:13.Household Division it signifies that the Queen's birthday parade is

:39:13. > :39:13.

:39:13. > :41:29.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:41:29. > :41:34.Massed Bands, by the centre, slow MUSIC: Equitum Aduentu.

:41:34. > :41:44.The raised trombone of Sergeant Charlie Hancock, gives the signal

:41:44. > :41:45.

:41:45. > :43:48.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:43:48. > :43:53.Massed Bands, by the centre, quick march! Nothing like it for rousing

:43:53. > :44:00.and stirring music. Now these quick marches, with an American flavour

:44:00. > :44:04.have been included at the request of Major General George Norton.

:44:04. > :44:14.Recognising the close co-operation of British and US forces in

:44:14. > :44:22.

:44:22. > :44:31.Afghanistan over the past 11 years. The lone drummer, Lance Sergeant

:44:31. > :44:41.Blake lock brakes away. He is from Tyne & Wear. He has served in

:44:41. > :44:47.

:44:47. > :44:57.Northern Ireland, Iraq and Long live our noble Queen, God save

:44:57. > :44:57.

:44:57. > :46:31.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:46:31. > :46:35.The drummer's call, a command for the officers to take post. A signal

:46:35. > :46:45.that the next phase of the parade is about to start. The command of

:46:45. > :47:01.

:47:01. > :47:11.the escort is passing because in days gone by it was the subitor's

:47:11. > :47:24.

:47:24. > :47:34.Richard Crook was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. The escort

:47:34. > :47:34.

:47:34. > :48:15.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:48:15. > :48:25.take up their escort in close order So the he is escort steps off. It

:48:25. > :48:31.

:48:31. > :48:34.is a proud moment on the way to escort the Colour. A remind We We

:48:34. > :48:41.mentioned the Light Infantry, define that? The infantry role has

:48:41. > :48:45.been to close with the enemy and in the closest, combat, but this role

:48:45. > :48:50.has become sophisticated over over recent years and units like the

:48:50. > :48:54.Coldstream Guards who are in Afghanistan, are engaged in

:48:54. > :48:58.training, mentoring and supporting the Afghan forces and passing the

:48:58. > :49:06.message to the population of Afghanistan that their purpose is

:49:06. > :49:16.there to provide a safe and secure future for the Afghan nationals.

:49:16. > :49:20.

:49:20. > :49:30.They have to be ready to operate in demanding and complex circumstances.

:49:30. > :49:34.

:49:34. > :49:44.Halt. Escort for the Colour.

:49:44. > :49:51.

:49:51. > :50:01.The Director of Music will move through to the front of the massed

:50:01. > :50:39.

:50:39. > :50:46.Guards, change. Change arms. Arms. What a moment for regimental

:50:46. > :50:56.Sergeant Major Daniel Morrell. He is ready to hand it over to the

:50:56. > :51:27.

:51:27. > :51:37.So he has taken possession of the Colour from Paul Banes and prepares

:51:37. > :51:47.to hand over possession to the Ensign. Second Lieutenant Hugo

:51:47. > :51:47.

:51:47. > :52:29.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:52:29. > :52:39.Escort to the Colour. NATIONAL ANTHEM

:52:39. > :52:47.

:52:47. > :52:50.Escort to the Colour. Slow. Arms. The Trooping of the Colour through

:52:50. > :52:58.the ranks is about to start. The regimental Sergeant Major returns

:52:58. > :53:08.to the rear of the guard. The two centuries take up position in the

:53:08. > :53:25.

:53:25. > :53:35.Escort to the Colour. Change. Arms. Escort to the Colour. By the centre.

:53:35. > :53:45.Slow march. So the escort is in slow time. That

:53:45. > :54:08.

:54:08. > :54:13.Here we have the vivid illustration of the challenge facing the bands

:54:13. > :54:17.when they need to change direction. They have They have little room for

:54:17. > :54:21.manoeuvre. They exercise a spin wheel. It is the most baffling move

:54:21. > :54:31.of the parade. Lots of stepping forwards and standing still and

:54:31. > :54:31.

:54:31. > :55:41.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:55:42. > :55:44.suddenly, as if by magic they are So as the escort marches forward,

:55:44. > :55:48.every guardsman aware of the significance of what is about to

:55:48. > :55:53.happen. And for the Ensign, of course, bearing the colour, no

:55:53. > :55:58.doubting the honour for him and for doubting the honour for him and for

:55:58. > :56:07.his family. The Codringtons are a military

:56:07. > :56:11.family and there have been two Coldstreamers. This is The Next

:56:11. > :56:17.Generation to carry on this tradition and I am proud to be a

:56:17. > :56:23.part of and I hope it will continue long after I have gone too. Being

:56:23. > :56:26.an Ensign on the Queen's birthday is something that only comes around

:56:26. > :56:31.every few years. It is not something I ever expected I would

:56:31. > :56:36.be doing. So no doubting the Coldstream

:56:36. > :56:41.So no doubting the Coldstream credentials of the Codringtons, Ben.

:56:41. > :56:47.Indeed. As we look now at the formal process of Trooping the

:56:47. > :56:53.Colour, what does that signify? These parades have practical

:56:53. > :57:01.origins and formally within the Army, date back to 1746, but before

:57:01. > :57:05.that, barons and chief tans used to use their flags or banners as

:57:05. > :57:09.rallying points on the battlefield and they used to troop the flags

:57:09. > :57:17.through the ranks of their soldiers in order for them to recognise.

:57:17. > :57:24.What we see today, although very much a ceremonial occasion, has

:57:24. > :57:28.historical and practical roots. Often today we see colours, despite

:57:28. > :57:38.having no practical purpose, deploying with regiments overseas

:57:38. > :57:39.

:57:39. > :57:49.and I served with Coldstream Guards with Bosnia where we deployed with

:57:49. > :58:10.

:58:10. > :58:16.Lots of the guardsmen on parade today, highly decorated including

:58:17. > :58:25.the is service Medal which involves Iraq and Afghanistan. Some more

:58:25. > :58:31.medals today. Neil Lowry has been awarded the Service Medal today as

:58:31. > :58:36.has David Rogers, who is on parade. And he will shortly become the

:58:36. > :58:44.Queen's Piper. So a fantastic fantastic day for both of them.

:58:44. > :58:54.And in this Diamond Jubilee, 440,000 Diamond Jubilee medals have

:58:54. > :59:08.

:59:08. > :59:18.been awarded to those in the Turn. Escort to the Colour. Change

:59:18. > :59:37.

:59:37. > :59:41.arms. Guards, show arms. Officers take post.

:59:41. > :59:47.Quick march. The officers ordered to take post.

:59:47. > :59:57.Only the captains remain in front of the guards and the Colour moves

:59:57. > :00:24.

:00:24. > :00:34.Members One to Five will retire. About turn. At the halt. Quick

:00:34. > :00:36.

:00:37. > :00:39.So, the line opens up. A moment of relief, too, probably for lots of

:00:39. > :00:45.the guardsmen. They've been standing still for well over an

:00:45. > :00:49.hour, but it is not a moment to relax. The march-past is about to

:00:49. > :00:53.take place. Trying to keep that line of so many men straight is a

:00:53. > :01:03.precision task, really. It requires a lot of concentration and

:01:03. > :01:18.

:01:18. > :01:28.confidence. It is the embodiment of Members One, Five Guard will

:01:28. > :01:39.

:01:39. > :01:49.surveillance. About turn! Member Six Guard, close order, march! Move

:01:49. > :01:54.

:01:54. > :02:04.to the right in threes. These! Right. No.6 Guard have their own

:02:04. > :02:14.

:02:14. > :02:24.special manoeuvre to get into line. Quick time. By the left slow march.

:02:24. > :02:27.

:02:27. > :02:37.So, the splendid march-past begins with Cold stream Marches by Trevor

:02:37. > :03:08.

:03:08. > :03:13.MUSIC: Coldstream Marches. As we appreciate the precision and

:03:13. > :03:18.the Colour, a moment, Ben, to reflect on how long the Guards are

:03:18. > :03:22.allowed to prepare this year for the parade? We have always had a

:03:22. > :03:25.period described as spring drills, where the regiments could prepare

:03:25. > :03:31.for several months before the Queen's birthday parade. Over the

:03:31. > :03:34.recent years as the army has become increasingly busy, this time has

:03:35. > :03:37.been limited. None more so than this year when the 1st Battalion

:03:37. > :03:41.Coldstream Guards have been involved in so many different

:03:41. > :03:45.events before today. So they have no time for spring drills. We were

:03:45. > :03:50.warned of peaking early in our preparations for this parade. I

:03:50. > :03:54.think in my discussions with Rob, he said there was no danger of them

:03:54. > :04:04.peaking early, that he was hoping that they would peak today. Looking

:04:04. > :04:23.

:04:23. > :04:26.at it so far, I think they are achieving that here.

:04:26. > :04:36.Field Officer with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. The

:04:36. > :04:43.

:04:43. > :04:46.major of the parade, Major Mark Lewis of the Welsh Guards.

:04:46. > :04:52.The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, who first trooped their Colour for

:04:52. > :05:00.the Queen in 1954. This is the sixth time they've been given the

:05:00. > :05:05.honour. The last time was back in 1959.

:05:05. > :05:11.Guardsman Dowler, he is 6ft nine inches, one of the tallest members

:05:11. > :05:21.on the parade today. The Prime Minister and Samantha

:05:21. > :05:33.

:05:33. > :05:38.Cameron enjoying the parade with lots of other people in the stands.

:05:38. > :05:43.The Colour moves to the front of the Escort. Making the position

:05:43. > :05:48.ready for the formal march-past when the Queen will take salute.

:05:48. > :05:55.The timing is critical here. They have to get it off in perfect shape.

:05:55. > :06:05.This slow march is deceptively easy. The experts say it is very testing.

:06:05. > :06:05.

:06:05. > :06:57.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:06:57. > :07:04.On this gravel surface, it is Field Officer at the parade. The

:07:04. > :07:14.Queen acknowledges to the famous tune of Figure row, the cold cold

:07:14. > :07:21.slow march. -- the Coldstream march.

:07:21. > :07:31.The Ensign acknowledges the flourish.

:07:31. > :07:31.

:07:31. > :07:41.Decked with the laurel. Remember the Battle of Dettingen.

:07:41. > :07:41.

:07:41. > :08:41.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:08:41. > :08:51.The Ensign raises the Standard in The majestic slow march of the

:08:51. > :08:56.

:08:56. > :09:06.-- Handel. The Duke of Edinburgh, the Colonel

:09:06. > :09:21.

:09:21. > :09:27.of the Grenadier Guards. The Irish Guards slow march.

:09:27. > :09:32.Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, the Colonel of the Irish

:09:32. > :09:42.Guards. The music changes to the Scots

:09:42. > :09:53.

:09:53. > :09:55.The adjutant of the parade, Captain Frederick Wells of the 1st

:09:55. > :10:00.Battalion Coldstream Guards salutes the Queen.

:10:00. > :10:09.Captain Frederick Wells, the classmate of Prince William at Eton.

:10:09. > :10:19.One of the few Old Etonians serving at the moment, but it has a rich

:10:19. > :10:25.

:10:25. > :10:29.tradition of many being Old Etonians.

:10:30. > :10:39.Field Officer has ridden out to salute the Queen to show that the

:10:40. > :11:01.

:11:01. > :11:05.slow march-past is complete and the A very proud day, of course, for

:11:05. > :11:09.everyone on parade. Without exception and for their friends and

:11:09. > :11:13.families. Clare has been speaking to one proud mother a little

:11:14. > :11:18.earlier. Yes, I'm with Susan Baines, whose son, Paul is the Colour

:11:18. > :11:22.Sergeant today. What a day for you? Yes, it is really special to see

:11:22. > :11:28.him doing something like this instead of dangerous! He was

:11:28. > :11:33.awarded an MC? Yes, in Afghanistan on the tour of 2011, but he

:11:33. > :11:35.accepted, he wanted to ensure he accepted the award on behalf of his

:11:35. > :11:39.battalion, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards as they all do a

:11:39. > :11:43.special job. It is not just him.

:11:43. > :11:51.So, deflecting the personal attention for you. You have a

:11:51. > :11:54.personal link with the Queen? I was born on.coronation Day. So my

:11:54. > :12:04.mother named me Susan Elizabeth. Have a wonderful day.

:12:04. > :12:06.

:12:06. > :12:11.That little exchange, Ben, underlining for us, how important

:12:11. > :12:18.it is, when we think about the support and the backing provided by

:12:18. > :12:26.autumn of the families? Yes, Huw. It is often described as the unsung

:12:26. > :12:30.heroes, but of course, today, No1 in the charts is the Military

:12:30. > :12:34.Wives' Choir, but I think that I have support of everyone in the

:12:34. > :12:42.parade of everyone recognising that a critical part of being a soldier

:12:42. > :12:50.is the support of your wider family. A vital cog in the success.

:12:50. > :12:55.So, we have the Red Feathers. The neutral quick march. I'm not so

:12:55. > :12:57.sure how neutral that is. It does really allude to the red plumes,

:12:58. > :13:07.worn by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards when you see them

:13:08. > :13:38.

:13:38. > :13:44.on parade. The march-past was last MUSIC: Red Feathers.

:13:44. > :13:47.What is more apparent than anything, today, Ben, is the pride. The pride

:13:47. > :13:51.involved in putting on the best possible military display than

:13:51. > :13:56.anywhere in the world? That is absolutely right, Huw. I always

:13:56. > :14:00.like to reflect that what you are seeing today is the ceremonial

:14:00. > :14:04.occasion performed to the highest standard by battle-hardened

:14:04. > :14:09.soldiers. Looking at them today, the only part of the parade that

:14:09. > :14:13.has changed over the years are the weapons. They are carrying the bay

:14:13. > :14:18.nets that they deploy with. They are hugely proud much the dual role.

:14:18. > :14:22.You can see the highest standards today, reflected again in all that

:14:22. > :14:27.they do overseas. Since the operations began in Afghanistan and

:14:27. > :14:30.Iraq, the Household Cavalry troops have deployed on multiple occasions

:14:30. > :14:33.and made a vast contribution. The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

:14:33. > :14:37.have distinguished themselves on operations both in Iraq, recently

:14:37. > :14:43.in Afghanistan with two tours in the last few years and another tour

:14:43. > :14:51.imminent next year. Of course, the Scots Guards will

:14:51. > :15:01.deploy in October, 2013, as will one of the companies of the Irish

:15:01. > :15:05.Guards and the Household Cavalry will do so as well.

:15:05. > :15:09.I would also like to reflect on the fact that on parade today we see

:15:09. > :15:18.some of the most senior officers who have made a vast contribution,

:15:18. > :15:22.thinking about General James Bucknall. George Norton, both of

:15:22. > :15:29.whom have contributed three years of their lives to Afghanistan. That

:15:29. > :15:35.extends to the most junior of men. It really is a one-army effort.

:15:35. > :15:45.Some of the medals reflect that. There are a number of soldiers

:15:45. > :16:02.

:16:02. > :16:11.The quick march of the Coldstream Guards. A real sense of dynamicism

:16:11. > :16:21.and energy now. The Queen acknowledging the Colour

:16:21. > :16:56.

:16:56. > :17:05.at the rear of the escort this time, The quick march of the British

:17:05. > :17:15.girlfriend Grenadiers. St Patrick's Day, a quick march for

:17:15. > :17:54.

:17:55. > :18:00.Into the neutral quick children. Children of the Regiment.

:18:00. > :18:03.A moment for the Commanding Officer to pause a little to check the next

:18:03. > :18:06.stage in the parade. He has been telling us what the day means for

:18:06. > :18:10.telling us what the day means for him.

:18:10. > :18:17.Well, I feel proud to be representing the regiment and to be

:18:17. > :18:21.on the parade with my soldiers. I also feel I have a degree of

:18:21. > :18:28.trepidation as well, wanting to ensure the parade is of the

:18:28. > :18:33.standard that the forebearers in the regiment expect and Her Majesty

:18:33. > :18:41.expects as well. The message I give to my soldiers is one I'm going to

:18:41. > :18:46.give to myself which is to enjoy. It is wonderful part of it.

:18:46. > :18:52.The Field Officer's thoughts a few days ago. What will he be thinking

:18:52. > :18:59.days ago. What will he be thinking at this stage? Relief. Their motto

:18:59. > :19:03.is second to none. They set themselves high standards. He has

:19:03. > :19:07.not had any difficulties out there and they are doing a great job and

:19:08. > :19:14.they will be enormously proud of what we have seen today and it is

:19:14. > :19:17.all looking good for a great parade, Huw.

:19:18. > :19:22.The parade, of course, has so many elements which never change and

:19:22. > :19:25.that's why people love it. I have to say Horse Guards Parade has

:19:25. > :19:29.looked rather different over the decades, certainly since The Queen

:19:29. > :19:33.came to the throne. There is a sight for you. That goes back to

:19:33. > :19:40.the 1950s when Horse Guards Parade was used as a car park and that

:19:40. > :19:44.carried on for many decades, well into the 1980s.

:19:44. > :19:48.It is quite a thought then that on this very parade ground later this

:19:48. > :19:53.summer, there will be a different event taking place. Yes, Huw, on

:19:53. > :20:00.Monday the preparations for the Olympic Beach Volleyball commence

:20:01. > :20:10.here and I understand that there will be around 2,500 tonnes of sand

:20:11. > :20:17.

:20:17. > :20:27.laid and it was transform itself -- it will transform itself into an

:20:27. > :20:27.

:20:27. > :21:11.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:21:11. > :21:14.Officers take post. Quick march. The officers take post in front of

:21:14. > :21:20.the Guards again and to complete the formation of the line, they

:21:20. > :21:30.will take up their dressing once again. The Colour will be taken to

:21:30. > :21:43.

:21:43. > :21:53.the front of the escort. In open order. Left and right.

:21:53. > :21:54.

:21:54. > :22:04.Massed Band, one move to the right. Right turn. Massed Bands, quick

:22:04. > :22:04.

:22:04. > :22:47.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:22:47. > :22:54.Now the mag nif Now magnificent bands of the Household Cavalry.

:22:54. > :22:59.Training the horses take three to to four years. There is a strong

:22:59. > :23:09.wind out there. It is getting under the horses tails and they are being

:23:09. > :23:12.

:23:12. > :23:22.tricky to handle. We have Mercury and Achilles. Achilles has been

:23:22. > :23:34.

:23:34. > :23:44.Now this was a sight that was missing from last year's Queen's

:23:44. > :23:47.birthday tread. The Troop had to miss the parade. In all their

:23:47. > :23:51.German chancellor European Commission this is the 15th time

:23:51. > :23:55.they have been on parade. They join the parade by request from the

:23:55. > :24:01.Royal Family. The request took place in 1998. They have moved home.

:24:01. > :24:06.They spent 65 years in St John's Wood and have moved to Woolwich and

:24:06. > :24:09.over 8,000 people welcomed them on their first day. I had a look at

:24:09. > :24:12.their new stables there. They are stunning. They are built from brick

:24:12. > :24:19.and timber and they have high ceilings and the ventilation is

:24:19. > :24:23.much better and the vets are saying the horse that had respiratory

:24:23. > :24:33.problems are finding it easier in their new home and have proved a

:24:33. > :24:59.

:24:59. > :25:09.Commanding Officer Major Mark Edward. He took part of the King's

:25:09. > :25:10.

:25:10. > :25:20.Troop in August 2011. It is his first time at the the birthday

:25:20. > :25:29.

:25:29. > :25:36.The lead gun, treated as the Colour of the Troop.

:25:36. > :25:46.The same respect paid to it as the Guards Colour. The guns first saw

:25:46. > :26:15.

:26:15. > :26:21.Each of the six 13lb quick fire The Field Officer of the

:26:21. > :26:31.Sovereign's Escort. He was deployed to Afghanistan as second in command

:26:31. > :26:47.

:26:47. > :26:56.in 2010 as part of the Household The music changes to the Regimental

:26:56. > :27:05.Slow March of the Life Guards. Captain Anton Wallis who is riding

:27:06. > :27:15.Connery today. The Life Guards originally were

:27:16. > :27:16.

:27:16. > :27:25.raised in 1616. The Life Guards the senior regiment of the British Army.

:27:25. > :27:35.And in their distinctive dark tunics, the farriers with the black

:27:35. > :27:35.

:27:35. > :28:19.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:28:19. > :28:26.The field officers and the the trumpeters and the the trumpeter

:28:26. > :28:31.would always be on a grey horse so so they can be seen in battle.

:28:31. > :28:37.With the King's Troop we have 75 horses on on parade today. And the

:28:37. > :28:43.saddles are the same standard issue British Army saddle that was used

:28:43. > :28:49.in World War I. And horses actually recognise the

:28:49. > :28:59.music and their ears will prick up as soon as the first few bars are

:28:59. > :29:08.

:29:08. > :29:12.The Commanding Officer there, Major Mark Edward, he is riding Lucy. All

:29:12. > :29:22.the horses in the the King's Troop are graded through according to

:29:22. > :29:26.

:29:26. > :29:29.colour, from A to F. A is is the lightest and brown is the darkest.

:29:29. > :29:33.The Duke of Edinburgh salutes them as they go by and each gun is

:29:33. > :29:39.pulled by six horses. The three on the near-side are riden and the

:29:39. > :29:42.three on the off-side are held in hand by the near side jockey who is

:29:42. > :29:49.known as the driver. The front pair are the leaders. They are the

:29:49. > :29:55.taller, bolder, slightly more athletic horses. They act as the

:29:55. > :30:00.accelerator and the smaller pair offer draft power. The wheel horses

:30:00. > :30:10.act as the brakes. They are usually thick set as they are required to

:30:10. > :30:19.

:30:19. > :30:27.stop the tonne-and-a-half of gun The Household Cavalry going past in

:30:28. > :30:34.a sitting trot. It is not the most comfortable, but it looks neater

:30:34. > :30:41.than rising trot. And once those horses have Majesty,

:30:41. > :30:51.which is one of the newest horses. This year the Household Cavalry

:30:51. > :31:11.

:31:11. > :31:16.opened up the naming for the first Kettle drummers crossing their

:31:16. > :31:20.sticks, that is fair form of salute for Her Majesty at this birthday

:31:20. > :31:23.parade. They are led away by Captain Jason Griffiths, the

:31:23. > :31:33.Director of Music of the Blues & Royals in a successful first

:31:33. > :31:39.

:31:39. > :31:43.appearance here in this role at the A magnificent state coach of the

:31:43. > :31:48.Mounted Bands. The oldest ceremonial uniform in the regular

:31:48. > :31:52.army. It can only be worn if a member of the Royal Family is

:31:52. > :31:56.present by permission of the Sovereign. Or in fact at the

:31:56. > :32:03.request of the Lord Mayor who traditionally paid for the uniform.

:32:03. > :32:07.So those are the conditions. The Director of Music will turn

:32:07. > :32:17.inwards as a signal to the Field Officer that the Household Cavalry

:32:17. > :32:17.

:32:17. > :32:59.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:33:00. > :33:09.Guards, royal cluet, present. -- Guards, Royal Salute, present

:33:10. > :33:10.

:33:10. > :33:58.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:33:58. > :34:08.arms. Guards, now arms.

:34:08. > :34:09.

:34:09. > :34:19.In close order. Left and right. There we see the dressing and then

:34:19. > :34:57.

:34:57. > :35:03.the eyes front with no word of The Mounted Bands of the Household

:35:03. > :35:13.Cavalry make their way back to the Approach Road to accompany the

:35:13. > :35:19.first of the Royal carriages as they return to Buckingham Palace.

:35:19. > :35:25.Quick march. Each guard will form into two

:35:25. > :35:32.divisions for the march-off as they march off down the Mall in line. So

:35:32. > :35:42.it is a narrow space so they must reform.

:35:42. > :35:48.

:35:48. > :35:58.The adjutant is the tune. It is composed by Major Tom Birkett.

:35:58. > :36:09.

:36:09. > :36:18.Guards, will advance, about turn! Guard on the es court, close column.

:36:18. > :36:26.-- Escort. By the left, quick march! So to the

:36:26. > :36:36.music of the drums. Turning about with the First Division with the

:36:36. > :36:36.

:36:36. > :37:20.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:37:20. > :37:30.Escort to return to the Sergeant Guards, shoulder arms.

:37:30. > :37:43.

:37:43. > :37:53.The Garrison Sergeant Major Mott. His ferocious attention to detail

:37:53. > :38:03.

:38:03. > :38:09.that is always evident at these great ceremonial events.

:38:09. > :38:19.So, the Field Officer approaches the Saluting Base. He will seek the

:38:19. > :38:42.

:38:42. > :38:47.Your Majesty's Guards are ready to march off, ma' am.

:38:47. > :38:57.Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant, the Field Officer in Brigade

:38:57. > :38:58.

:38:58. > :39:05.Waiting, turns to his position at the centre carriageway.

:39:05. > :39:11.It is along the Mall, some of the Royal guests we saw earlier were

:39:11. > :39:19.watching. They are already back, on their way for that balcony

:39:19. > :39:22.appearance and the fly-past. The Duchess of Cambridge, who

:39:22. > :39:27.accompanied the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the first day of

:39:27. > :39:33.their Diamond Jubilee Tour this year. That was to Leicester.

:39:33. > :39:37.It was the first full day of engagements for the Duchess of

:39:37. > :39:47.Cambridge alongside the Queen. We saw another of those days recently.

:39:47. > :39:50.

:39:50. > :39:56.There is Captain Harry Wales. And the same carriage... And the

:39:56. > :40:06.glass coach has been brought back to Horseguards parade for the Queen

:40:06. > :40:10.

:40:10. > :40:17.and the Duke of Edinburgh to return to Buckingham Palace.

:40:17. > :40:22.And when we consider some of the weather that was inflicted on us

:40:22. > :40:27.for part of the Diamond Jubilee events, today has been a great day.

:40:27. > :40:35.It has been sunny at times and dry throughout. So perfect conditions

:40:35. > :40:44.for the Queen's birthday parade of 2012.

:40:44. > :40:49.The Royal Standard flying above the Horseguards building. Garrison

:40:49. > :40:59.Sergeant Mott. Who is ready to give the signal that all is ready for

:40:59. > :41:13.

:41:13. > :41:23.the Approach Road and the signal is The marching music, Northumbrian

:41:23. > :41:24.

:41:24. > :41:28.Airs. Arranged by Trevor Sharpe. The glass coach, built in 1881.

:41:28. > :41:33.Bought by the Royal Family for the coronation of King George VI in

:41:33. > :41:43.1911. We have seen it many times since then, including several Royal

:41:43. > :41:49.weddings. Including the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.

:41:49. > :41:52.The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

:41:52. > :42:02.Attending a week after being discharged from hospital after that

:42:02. > :42:17.

:42:17. > :42:21.Her Majesty leading her personal troops.

:42:22. > :42:25.From Horseguards Parade on the way back to Buckingham Palace where the

:42:25. > :42:35.day will continue for some of these guardsmen. They have other work to

:42:35. > :42:49.

:42:49. > :42:53.The Prime Minister, and Samantha Cameron applaud at the end of this

:42:53. > :42:58.parade. Other ministers are also present and the heads of the armed

:42:58. > :43:08.forces too. The Queen who celebrated her birthday at 8 in

:43:08. > :43:09.

:43:09. > :43:19.April of this year, the Duke who was 91 last weekend.

:43:19. > :43:39.

:43:39. > :43:42.The Queen who's having her 60th parade this year. She knows what to

:43:42. > :43:48.expect. She will be taken to outside of Buckingham Palace, then

:43:48. > :43:53.a slight pause and then the entire Royal Family emerge on the balcony

:43:53. > :43:57.for a fly-past. We had an impressive fly-past for the Diamond

:43:57. > :44:03.Jubilee, but I will dare to say that today's is possibly even more

:44:03. > :44:08.spectacular. Colonel Ben Farrell is till with me.

:44:08. > :44:12.I will reflect at this moment, Ben, that Trooping of the Colour, the

:44:12. > :44:18.birthday parade, represents the core values and standards of the

:44:18. > :44:26.army? Well, it does, Huw. I think we could pause for thought about

:44:26. > :44:30.the army of 19523. That was the National Service army. 440,000 or

:44:30. > :44:38.so soldiers. They were de employed, 60,000 of

:44:38. > :44:44.them in the relatively newly formed army of the Rhin, globally there

:44:44. > :44:49.were troops in Egypt, mall aaire, Korea, East Africa to name a few,

:44:49. > :44:55.but we are moving now, as recently announced to an army much 82,000

:44:55. > :45:00.men and women strong. With very few overseas garrisons. So, if you

:45:00. > :45:05.track that through the history of the Queen's reign, the army has

:45:05. > :45:12.changed in structure, deployment, the nature of conflict. Of course

:45:12. > :45:17.1968 was the only year in the Queen's reign where a British Army

:45:17. > :45:21.member has in the been killed in combat. So the army has changed in

:45:21. > :45:25.structure and size, but one of the enduring features that marks out

:45:25. > :45:29.the British Army and in a way manifests the demonstration of that,

:45:30. > :45:36.we have just witnessed today. There is a great continuity that the

:45:36. > :45:40.Queen provides for the British Army. And the birthday parade is part of

:45:40. > :45:43.that enduring, guiding hand on the army.

:45:43. > :45:53.Given what you say, Ben, what is the Household Cavalry going to look

:45:53. > :45:54.

:45:54. > :45:57.like in the years to come? Clearly Yes, Huw, the Birthday Parade, we

:45:57. > :46:00.can trace it back many years. Next year, I would be surprised if we

:46:00. > :46:04.don't have a similar parade and many, many years. The recognition

:46:04. > :46:14.of the importance this occasion to the nation, to the Army and Her

:46:14. > :46:14.

:46:14. > :46:56.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:46:56. > :47:06.Majesty, is appreciated by Of corks Huw, we can see the

:47:06. > :47:14.

:47:14. > :47:23.regimental adjutants and between them they have 200 years service.

:47:23. > :47:26.Andrew They wear medals. They play a very, very important part. It is

:47:26. > :47:36.nice to see them out there today and I'm sure they will have enjoyed

:47:36. > :47:38.a very good parade. We are provided extended live

:47:38. > :47:44.coverage of the Queen's Birthday Parade this year. We are staying on

:47:44. > :47:49.air to bring the procession along the Mall back to the Palace and

:47:49. > :47:54.then the balcony appearance and the fly-past when it happens.

:47:54. > :47:58.The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh enjoying the sights along the Mall

:47:58. > :48:01.from the glass coach. It is the first time we have seen the coach

:48:01. > :48:07.in use because the Palace thought the weather wasn't reliable today

:48:07. > :48:12.and who can blame them? As we go along the Mall, Ben, I am sparing a

:48:12. > :48:15.thought fort street liners, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and the

:48:15. > :48:19.first battalion Irish Guards have been working hard? They are the

:48:19. > :48:22.first people out in the morning and the last to go in. They have have

:48:22. > :48:26.done nearly four hours standing on the Mall and guarding the route for

:48:26. > :48:36.Her Majesty as she travels to Horse Guards and back to Buckingham

:48:36. > :48:36.

:48:36. > :48:41.Palace and I was chat to go Colonel Edward Bowness and his Sergeant

:48:41. > :48:46.Major who was Prince William's instructor at sand Sandhurst and

:48:46. > :48:51.the Irish Guards are about to move on Monday in preparation of the

:48:51. > :48:57.Olympics. They are providing security and ceremonial duties

:48:57. > :49:03.during the Olympics. They are looking after the Eton and Dorny

:49:04. > :49:09.events where they are manning 44 different entrance points and

:49:09. > :49:13.checkpoints for spectators. Another varied task and proud to be part of

:49:13. > :49:20.the Olympics too. And joining us for this extended

:49:20. > :49:24.coverage of the Birthday Parade is the author and Royal commentator,

:49:24. > :49:29.Robert Hardman. Robert, welcome. What do you make of the parade?

:49:29. > :49:34.There is great continuity. Today is something of a breather and an

:49:34. > :49:40.extraordinary summer for The Queen. This is reassuringly familiar.

:49:40. > :49:49.There have been extraordinary sights over the last few weeks,

:49:49. > :49:54.today we have an anchor in the Royal Calne Royal en der. --

:49:54. > :50:01.calendar. We have the garter at Windsor Castle on month. These are

:50:01. > :50:05.events she knows and loves. While they are big events, they are

:50:05. > :50:08.stress-free compared to some of the things we have seen in the last few

:50:08. > :50:11.days and weeks. A word too about The Duke of

:50:11. > :50:14.Edinburgh, who looks maybe a little frail today and that's not

:50:14. > :50:19.surprising given what he has been through in the last few weeks. He

:50:19. > :50:23.wanted to be seen to be attending today? That's right. He recently

:50:23. > :50:29.turned 91. He regards this event as crucial. Last night, he was hosting

:50:29. > :50:35.the annual dinner of the senior senior colonels. He takes that

:50:35. > :50:39.seriously. And also, of course, he wants to be alongside The Queen.

:50:39. > :50:49.This is her Birthday Parade. It is a big day in her life. He more than

:50:49. > :50:49.

:50:49. > :50:54.anyone is well aware of that crucial bond between the monarch

:50:54. > :51:00.and the Armed Forces. There is glorious sunshine now.

:51:00. > :51:06.There is a great sense of pageantry and procession today as we see the

:51:06. > :51:11.Union flags decking the length of the Mall on both sides on the St

:51:11. > :51:16.James' Parkside and the north side and the scarlet and the gold Tudor

:51:16. > :51:19.coats glinting in the sunlight today. It is a magnificent sight.

:51:19. > :51:23.One of the features of this year's Diamond Jubilee, of course, has

:51:23. > :51:26.been the prominence of the Queen's grandchildren in the official

:51:26. > :51:30.events, not just in the UK, but throughout the Commonwealth and

:51:30. > :51:35.they have been paying their tributes to the Queen and they have

:51:35. > :51:40.been sharing their stories and memories with us.

:51:40. > :51:45.What The Queen has managed to do, she has managed to bring the

:51:45. > :51:49.monarchy into the 21st century as best she can. She has not had a

:51:49. > :51:56.blueprint. She has done it her own way and from my point of view, that

:51:56. > :52:01.has been hugely successful. She is timeless. She is this

:52:01. > :52:10.figurehead that, she is in touch with every generation instinctively.

:52:10. > :52:14.The world looks to her and follows her and the same as we do. She is

:52:14. > :52:19.this person who for 60 years has been there for everyone, in wars,

:52:19. > :52:26.in terrorism, everything. She has stood there and taken it all in her

:52:26. > :52:29.stride. Regardless of the time of day,

:52:29. > :52:33.wherever she turns up, she is full of life, smiling and able to go

:52:33. > :52:38.into a room and bring the room to life. These are things at her age,

:52:38. > :52:43.she shouldn't be doing, but she is carrying on doing not only in this

:52:43. > :52:47.country, but around the world. balance she gets between her public

:52:47. > :52:50.role and the private role of being a grandmother and great-grandmother,

:52:50. > :52:54.she has figured that balance out effectively.

:52:54. > :52:57.She is a good person to be leading the family and she does it from the

:52:57. > :53:02.front and we all have massive respect from her and love her to

:53:02. > :53:08.bits. She doesn't care for celebrity and

:53:08. > :53:13.she really minds about, you know, having privacy in general. It is a

:53:13. > :53:19.tricky line to draw between private and public and duty. I think she

:53:19. > :53:22.has carved her own way completely. My grandmother is The Queen. It is

:53:22. > :53:28.The Queen first thing and grandmother in public. That is your

:53:28. > :53:38.job. That's the way you behave and that's how you act and that's how

:53:38. > :53:45.

:53:45. > :53:55.you carry yourself out and she does that that immaculately. Behind

:53:55. > :54:02.

:54:02. > :54:08.closed doors she is my grandmother. She will put her foot down and pull

:54:08. > :54:14.out The Queen card. Pulling out The Queen card. A

:54:14. > :54:17.moment again to reflect after the voices, Robert Hardman on the young

:54:17. > :54:21.Royals and the way they are managing to transform perceptions

:54:21. > :54:25.of the Royal Family? Yes, they really come into their own during

:54:25. > :54:30.this jubilee. It has been a demanding year for The Queen and

:54:30. > :54:33.the Duke. It has been helpful to have the younger generation, the

:54:33. > :54:37.grandchildren coming out and helping The Queen on key occasions.

:54:37. > :54:42.Today, of course, but also through, as you mentioned, the first day,

:54:42. > :54:47.the big jubilee tour, there was the Duchess of Cambridge at The Queen's

:54:47. > :54:51.side in Leicester when it was the Royal Maundy ceremony, there was

:54:51. > :54:55.Princess Beatrice with The Queen there. And I think we will see more

:54:55. > :54:58.of them at these big occasions where there is a big Royal turnout

:54:58. > :55:05.and it is nice to be able to fall back on three generations.

:55:05. > :55:09.It is that tricky, balance isn't it, how do you maintain tradition and

:55:09. > :55:14.underline heritage? Yes, monarchy is about tradition and pomp on the

:55:14. > :55:17.surface, but it has to evolve. It has to remain relevant and

:55:17. > :55:22.accessable and it is a difficult juggling act and it has been one of

:55:23. > :55:26.the great successes of this reign. As we saw with Prince Harry for

:55:26. > :55:34.example earlier this year, representing The Queen on her

:55:34. > :55:37.jubilee tour overseas, he can bring a buzz to Royal events as can the

:55:37. > :55:43.Duke and Duchess of Cambridge which is crucial if you are reaching out

:55:43. > :55:47.to younger generations. Ben, what are we likely to see now

:55:47. > :55:52.the parade is over? There is still some military work to do and

:55:52. > :56:02.processional work to do at the Palace? Very much so. Inside the

:56:02. > :56:02.

:56:03. > :56:08.forecourt of Buckingham Palace, you have the guard who are formed by

:56:08. > :56:12.the first balance talion of the Irish -- battalion of the Irish

:56:12. > :56:21.Guards which are known as the old guard. The soldiers will continue

:56:21. > :56:26.with their duty for the next 24 hours.

:56:26. > :56:30.This is one of the few occasions when the cousins, the extended

:56:30. > :56:39.cousins turn out. At the Diamond Jubilee, we just saw, the core six

:56:39. > :56:45.if you like, just The Queen, her heir and his he irs. Today, The

:56:45. > :56:50.Queen has invited the cousinhood. The Queen being a great-grandmother

:56:50. > :56:53.of tworks not to mention -- two, not to mention the other family

:56:53. > :57:00.members. At the Diamond Jubilee when we saw

:57:00. > :57:03.the restricted numbers on the balcony, this was a more cost

:57:03. > :57:06.conscious Royal Family. What we saw at the Diamond Jubilee was a State

:57:06. > :57:10.occasion and it was almost a statement. This is the future. What

:57:10. > :57:14.we see today, it is a family occasion, it is the Queen's

:57:14. > :57:18.birthday party. Some years ago, her officials did suggest perhaps on an

:57:18. > :57:23.occasion like this, it might be wiser to trim down the numbers and

:57:23. > :57:26.The Queen wouldn't have it. She said, "I want all my family here."

:57:26. > :57:36.This and Christmas is the two occasions when they all get

:57:36. > :58:01.

:58:01. > :58:06.The Duchess of Cambridge among those enjoying this scene.

:58:06. > :58:11.Princess Michael of Kent, the Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex

:58:11. > :58:21.too. And the immense Royal Standard flying both Palace signalling, of

:58:21. > :58:23.

:58:23. > :58:28.course, that The Queen is in residence.

:58:28. > :58:38.The Queen taking the salute and we will soon see the Mounted Bands and

:58:38. > :58:45.

:58:45. > :58:48.the King's Troop paying their As we enjoy this scene, Ben, it is

:58:48. > :58:51.worth reflecting on the fact for some of those who have taken part

:58:51. > :58:57.in this parade today and have put a lot of work into it, it is not a

:58:57. > :59:00.time to be take ago rest? No, it is not Huw. I highlighted many of the

:59:00. > :59:04.guards were continuing with their duties and those who are not

:59:04. > :59:09.involved in in guard duty this weekend will be back on Monday in

:59:09. > :59:11.some form or shifting on to worry about the Olympicsment the

:59:11. > :59:14.Household Cavalry Regiment, the kings King's Troop, the Irish

:59:14. > :59:17.Guards, to name a few, start training and preparing for the

:59:17. > :59:22.Olympic Games and the Coldstream Guards in particular are left

:59:22. > :59:32.holding the baton in London during the Olympic period for ceremonial

:59:32. > :59:32.

:59:32. > :01:12.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:01:12. > :01:18.duties. So a busy time ahead for The King's Troop formed in koorns

:01:18. > :01:28.with King George VI for state ceremonial occasions.

:01:28. > :01:59.

:01:59. > :02:04.The officers, the non-commissioned officers, the Troopers, come

:02:04. > :02:14.prizing the Sovereign's Escort. The first and Second Divisons of

:02:14. > :02:43.

:02:43. > :02:46.the Blues & Royals, the third and This is a moment where the Queen

:02:46. > :02:52.and the Duke of Edinburgh will make their way into Buckingham Palace.

:02:52. > :02:56.Ben you can reveal the secrets of what goes on in the reception room

:02:56. > :03:00.before the balcony appearance as of course you have been there as the

:03:00. > :03:04.Field Officer? I have, Huw. Taking it from where Lieutenant Colonel

:03:05. > :03:11.Robin Sergeant is now. In a way, he will be relieved to have gotten to

:03:11. > :03:16.this point. He is to ride out to salute Her Majesty the Queen, and

:03:16. > :03:20.now the Colonels and the Queen will all go inside Buckingham Palace. We

:03:20. > :03:24.dismounted inside the forecourt. I think that the quartermaster of the

:03:24. > :03:31.Irish Guards, had arranged for carrots to be given to the horses.

:03:31. > :03:36.I have to say, I was so hungry and exhausted by that stage, I ate one

:03:36. > :03:41.of them myself! As part of a beginning of a process of

:03:41. > :03:45.refreshing myself and very, very kindly, we are then invited in to

:03:45. > :03:55.Buckingham Palace to join all of the members of the Royal Family

:03:55. > :03:55.

:03:55. > :05:13.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:05:13. > :05:18.behind the room that you can see CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

:05:18. > :05:21.Well, as the crowds grow, looking ahead to the balcony appearance we

:05:21. > :05:25.join claers once again. Well, this may not be the closest

:05:25. > :05:31.view, but it is one of the highest. Look at these people standing on

:05:31. > :05:39.the walls. We are down near Canada Gate. A family here, the youngsters

:05:39. > :05:43.have come for the first time. This is Annika, the youngest, you are

:05:43. > :05:48.how old? Six. Who is your favourite member of the

:05:48. > :05:51.Royal Family? The Queen. Good for you. You are very proud to

:05:51. > :05:56.be here? Yes, we are proud to be here.

:05:56. > :06:00.Now, what about you, the first time at the Queen's birthday parade?

:06:00. > :06:03.the first time. Came down for the Jubilee, I caught the bug. It is

:06:03. > :06:10.really proud to be British. It is great.

:06:10. > :06:14.That is great to see this. Having seen the dierpld Diamond Jubilee,

:06:14. > :06:24.the Jubilee saw millions of people coming into Central London to see

:06:24. > :06:49.

:06:49. > :06:53.some of the biggest events staged That is the view that the Queen and

:06:53. > :07:03.the Duke of Edinburgh and the rest of the Royal party have got as the

:07:03. > :07:06.

:07:06. > :07:11.Pageant is well and truly under way now.

:07:11. > :07:21.The atmosphere is a real carnival atmosphere down on the River Thames,

:07:21. > :07:32.

:07:32. > :07:42.and on the banks as well. There are still many, many boats to come.

:07:42. > :07:56.

:07:56. > :08:02.There it is on top of the National The people are a little more than

:08:02. > :08:12.just being a bit damp, but they are sticking with it. Well, we are

:08:12. > :08:28.

:08:28. > :08:38.British! The Queen is about to leave. She is still smiling. I hope

:08:38. > :08:54.

:08:54. > :09:04.she's had a fabulous day. # Let me entertain you

:09:04. > :09:35.

:09:35. > :09:40.# I remember when I was young... # We're celebrating the Diamond

:09:40. > :09:44.Jubilee # We're celebrating, the Diamond

:09:44. > :09:51.Jubilee # We're celebrating, the Diamond

:09:51. > :09:55.Jubilee. # # Our house in the middle of our

:09:55. > :09:59.street # Our house in the middle of our

:09:59. > :10:05.# Our house # In the middle of our street

:10:05. > :10:15.# Our house # In the middle of our...

:10:15. > :10:26.

:10:26. > :10:36.# Life goes on # And if you want some fun #

:10:36. > :10:38.

:10:38. > :10:47.CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. Your Majesty, mummy! Thank God, the

:10:47. > :10:53.weather turned out fine! As a nation, this is our opportunity to

:10:53. > :10:59.thank you and my father, for always being there for us. For inspiring

:10:59. > :11:09.us with your self-less duty and service, and for making us proud to

:11:09. > :11:14.

:11:14. > :11:24.be British. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

:11:24. > :11:53.

:11:53. > :11:57.I don't think it is fanciful to say that in all of her public

:11:57. > :12:03.engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of

:12:03. > :12:13.others. All of the signs are that she is herself, happy, fulfilled,

:12:13. > :12:22.

:12:22. > :12:30.and at home in these encounters. # With you

:12:30. > :12:34.# With you... # # Sing it louder

:12:34. > :12:37.# Sing it clearer # Knowing everyone will hear you

:12:37. > :12:41.# It's a noise # Find your voice

:12:41. > :12:45.# Tonight # Sing it stronger

:12:45. > :12:55.# Sing together # Make this moment last forever

:12:55. > :13:03.

:13:03. > :13:13.# Old and young # Shout in love tonight. #

:13:13. > :13:14.

:13:14. > :13:24.# To hear 1,000 voices # Shout in love and light and hope

:13:24. > :13:39.

:13:39. > :13:43.# Just sing # Come on and sing

:13:43. > :13:47.# Sing it louder # Sing it clearer

:13:47. > :13:50.# Knowing everyone will hear you # It's a noise

:13:50. > :13:53.# Find your voice # Tonight

:13:53. > :14:03.# Sing it stronger # Sing together

:14:03. > :14:15.

:14:15. > :14:20.# Make this moment last fore ever... # Hear 1,000 voices shouting loud.

:14:20. > :14:25.# And a very similar sight it has to be said. Enormous crowds on the

:14:25. > :14:33.Mall today for the Queen's birthday parade of 2012. Far bigger than we

:14:33. > :14:39.have seen for many years. That reflects all of the excitement of

:14:39. > :14:46.the Diamond Jubilee. Some of that success recognised today here Yes,

:14:46. > :14:48.Gary Barlow is now an organiser of that concert, he was with Gareth

:14:48. > :14:55.Malone who put together the fantastic choir. They are riding

:14:55. > :14:57.high in the charts. I think we could see one or two other awards

:14:57. > :15:02.for those involved in that extraordinary weekend. There is

:15:02. > :15:05.evidence of the Jubilee Bounce. A vast crowd. We saw it in the week

:15:05. > :15:10.when the Queen was in the East Midlands.

:15:10. > :15:14.They were astonished by the size of the crowds. We are to see this as

:15:14. > :15:19.cross the country as the Jubilee Tour continues. It has a long way

:15:19. > :15:24.to go. Will the excitement we see translate into a permanent legacy?

:15:24. > :15:29.I think so. We have definitely seen a rise and rise in the popularity

:15:29. > :15:33.of the Queen and of the whole institution. It has been reflected

:15:34. > :15:39.in opinion polls since the Jubilee itself. One went out yesterday,

:15:39. > :15:43.putting the Queen's satisfaction rating, if one could call it that,

:15:43. > :15:46.at 90%. I can't imagine a politician in history has ever had

:15:46. > :15:49.it that height. The love affair between the British and the

:15:49. > :15:57.monarchy is on a high. You mention the events to come.

:15:57. > :16:00.The tour to Northern Ireland and Scotland and we will have the big

:16:00. > :16:06.events leading up to the Olympics. The opening of the Olympics. The

:16:07. > :16:12.Queen has the Olympic family coming round to the Palace and she will be

:16:12. > :16:18.watched by the Olympic planet as she declares the Olympiad open.

:16:18. > :16:22.The police, as they always do, controlling the flow of the crowd

:16:22. > :16:26.around the Mall and around The Queen Victoria Memorial on this

:16:26. > :16:31.sunny day, allowing them the best possible view of the balcony. They

:16:31. > :16:36.want to get close to the railings and close to the balcony to see the

:16:36. > :16:40.members of the Royal Family gather on the balcony today led by The

:16:40. > :16:45.Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, but they will get a good view of

:16:46. > :16:52.the fly-past which will come over the City of London and down along

:16:52. > :16:58.the Mall over admirality Arch and will fly over Buckingham Palace.

:16:58. > :17:07.That will be worth waiting for and that takes place in 10 or 12

:17:07. > :17:12.minutes time. Just imagine the scene, we have

:17:12. > :17:17.thousands of people here at Buckingham Palace, but, of course

:17:17. > :17:20.in St James' Park and Green Park there are many crowds too who have

:17:20. > :17:26.come into town today to enjoy the events of the Birthday Parade and

:17:26. > :17:30.there is the proof for you. Remarkable scenes and Robert, we

:17:30. > :17:35.haven't seen numbers like this for the Birthday Parade for many years?

:17:35. > :17:39.No, Huw. This does reflect, as we were saying that the jubilee has

:17:39. > :17:43.really raised the game even higher. The public really do want to feel

:17:43. > :17:48.they are part of this jubilee, if they couldn't make it to the great

:17:48. > :17:52.events a few days ago, a lot of people thought "I'm going to come

:17:52. > :17:55.along today." We will see that as The Queen continues her tours

:17:55. > :18:00.around the country. There are people who will have come from all

:18:00. > :18:06.over the world to see this. The scene in Green Park. The King's

:18:06. > :18:09.Troop are preparing to fire their 41 gun salute in honour of the

:18:09. > :18:14.Queen's birthday. It is worth explaining at this stage the

:18:14. > :18:19.Queen's birthday in reality is in April, on the 21st April when she

:18:19. > :18:26.celebrated her 86 birthday. Today is an official birthday. It is a

:18:26. > :18:29.practise that was introduced by Edward the seventh whose birthday

:18:29. > :18:33.took place in November. One can imagine the weather wasn't great

:18:34. > :18:38.for that, so he decided the official birthday should be

:18:38. > :18:45.instigated in June and for most part the weather has been kind.

:18:45. > :18:49.Today a good choice. So the basic Royal salute, 21 rounds, but the

:18:49. > :18:53.number of rounds depends on the place and the occasion and today,

:18:53. > :19:00.an additional 20 takes place because it takes part in Green Park

:19:00. > :19:04.which is a Royal Park so it will be a 41 gun salute.

:19:04. > :19:14.Later this summer, as we were reminded a short while ago, the

:19:14. > :19:18.

:19:18. > :19:23.area around Buckingham Palace, James' Park will become an Olympic

:19:23. > :19:27.arena. Clare Balding is one of the stars competing? This is Dave Weir

:19:27. > :19:34.and you will be competing here. It will be my last race of the

:19:34. > :19:36.marathon. It will be the last race of 2012. I hope the crowds will be

:19:37. > :19:40.like this. How do you feel watching this,

:19:40. > :19:44.knowing you will be racing here? It is special when you see the flags

:19:44. > :19:50.and the crowds. It has been a great year for the nation with the

:19:50. > :20:00.Diamond Jubilee and today now we have got the Olympics so it will be

:20:00. > :20:01.

:20:01. > :20:07.special. I love TI love it.-- I love it. I love it.

:20:07. > :20:12.You were awarded an OBE. We had a gathering at Buckingham Palace and

:20:12. > :20:20.I have met her a few times. She knew who I was and stuff and when I

:20:20. > :20:27.got my MBE, she said, "You are Here again, David." It was special, yeah.

:20:27. > :20:30.You look fit. Is training going well? I have had a good year. I had

:20:30. > :20:35.one crash in Switzerland, but I have got over that and yeah,

:20:35. > :20:39.training is really going well and I have got a couple of months to just

:20:39. > :20:44.tick over and get ready for the big one. There is nothing like a home

:20:44. > :20:48.Games to motivate you? It is a big motivational for me. I am probably

:20:48. > :20:55.at the end of my career now. One big push out m.

:20:55. > :20:58.. -- one big now. So watch out for David Weir.

:20:58. > :21:03.Good luck. Thank you very much.

:21:03. > :21:07.We look forward to it with great enthusiasm and lots of enthusiasm

:21:07. > :21:10.today along the Mall and there you see the crowds gathering outside

:21:10. > :21:14.Buckingham Palace. They know what to expect. An appearance on the

:21:14. > :21:24.balcony by the The Queen and other members of the Royal Family and a

:21:24. > :21:29.

:21:29. > :21:35.great fly-past which will involve helicopters and a Hercules and the

:21:35. > :21:40.new Vovager, the Battle of Britain flight is not able to be with us

:21:40. > :21:44.because of weather conditions. This year is all about celebrating 60

:21:44. > :21:48.years of the Queen's reign. Her Majesty's record of attending and

:21:48. > :21:53.taking the salute at the Birthday Parade goes back to 195 srks the

:21:53. > :22:02.year -- 195 srks the year before the accession when the young

:22:02. > :22:12.Princess Elizabeth stood in her for her George VI.

:22:12. > :22:26.

:22:26. > :22:36.Leading the procession, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and the Queen

:22:36. > :22:56.

:22:56. > :23:06.Mother, Prince Charles and Princess The Queen a picture of composure

:23:06. > :23:07.

:23:07. > :23:14.and elegance. The Queen, Colonel-In-Chief of the

:23:14. > :23:24.Scots Guards. The Queen in her silver jubilee

:23:24. > :23:39.

:23:39. > :23:49.year. She will receive the Royal The Queen's horse receiving a

:23:49. > :23:56.

:23:56. > :24:06.reassuring pat from The Queen, an What more lively and colourful way

:24:06. > :24:06.

:24:06. > :24:47.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

:24:47. > :24:57.can you think of saying, "Happy Hip-hip, hooray.

:24:57. > :25:02.

:25:02. > :25:12.There we have Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. His first

:25:12. > :25:23.

:25:23. > :25:27.appearance at the Birthday Parade So The Queen's Birthday Parade of

:25:27. > :25:31.2012 in Diamond Jubilee year is reaching its conclusion. There will

:25:32. > :25:38.be a balcony appearance in a few minutes time and then we'll have a

:25:38. > :25:45.magnificent fly-past to mark the Queen's official birthday.

:25:45. > :25:50.In Green Park the 41 gun salute is underway. A ten second interval

:25:50. > :25:59.between each round of fire. All of the individual fire station counted

:25:59. > :26:04.and marked on leather pads in the traditional way.

:26:04. > :26:14.-- all of the individual fires counted and marked on leather pads

:26:14. > :26:34.

:26:34. > :26:39.The sound of the Royal Gun Is a salute -- royal Gun salute echoing.

:26:39. > :26:49.So far the King's Troop fired seven official salutes and 306 rounds in

:26:49. > :26:58.

:26:58. > :27:01.The scene at Buckingham Palace. Everything is ready for the balcony

:27:01. > :27:04.appearance and Ben Farrell, you have been in the room. You know

:27:04. > :27:10.what the atmosphere is like. Tell us what is going on right now as

:27:10. > :27:14.that appearance is about to take place? Huw, the Royal Family,

:27:14. > :27:19.extended Royal Family are gathered in the room with the colonels of

:27:19. > :27:22.the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry regiments where they are

:27:22. > :27:32.really celebrating the Queen's birthday and a family occasion and

:27:32. > :27:32.

:27:32. > :27:35.there are grandchildren running around. There was plenty of

:27:35. > :27:42.hillarity and The Duke of Edinburgh approached me saying, "I didn't

:27:42. > :27:52.think your voice was going to hold out." They sort themselves out into

:27:52. > :28:00.

:28:00. > :28:04.an order in which to come out on to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh

:28:04. > :28:12.are the first to arrive. The Prince of Wales is getting

:28:12. > :28:22.ready to appear on the balcony too along with Prince William and the

:28:22. > :28:22.

:28:22. > :28:26.Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge and the fly-past will

:28:26. > :28:29.take place within a minute, we think and the first things we'll

:28:29. > :28:39.see and the Royal Family know what is to expect, they will be looking

:28:39. > :28:43.

:28:43. > :28:49.up to the skies,ion the City of London, to spot first of all, four

:28:49. > :28:59.helicopters. Lady Louise Windsor holding her great-grandmother's

:28:59. > :29:07.

:29:07. > :29:16.And the four helicopters are on their way. The merlin, the first of

:29:16. > :29:22.a new generation of advanced medium support helicopters for the RAF.

:29:22. > :29:29.Captain squadon leader, we have a puma, battlefield helicopter, we

:29:29. > :29:34.have a Sea King from RAF Valley which is Prince William's base and

:29:34. > :29:44.we have a Chinook. It is the work horse of choice in Afghanistan

:29:44. > :29:48.

:29:48. > :29:58.carrying troops and equipment. The captain is Flight Lieutenant

:29:58. > :30:11.

:30:11. > :30:16.The four four helicopters are now passing passing directly above

:30:16. > :30:25.Horse Guards Parade. We have a great view of them. The Chinook is

:30:25. > :30:27.make ago great thunder ess noise. They were meant to be followed by

:30:27. > :30:31.the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, but sadly because of windy

:30:31. > :30:41.conditions that's not possible so we won't be seeing the Lancaster,

:30:41. > :30:48.

:30:48. > :30:53.But we are seeing the great Hercules, the King Air.

:30:53. > :30:57.Now on their way. The Hercules, of course, used mainly for moving

:30:57. > :31:07.personnel and equipment in operational theatres. The Captain

:31:07. > :31:08.

:31:08. > :31:16.today is Flight Lieutenant, Davey. The King Airs, are multi-engine

:31:16. > :31:22.pilot trainers. All of it being enjoyed by the

:31:22. > :31:30.Royal Family as they wait for the next group of aircraft.

:31:30. > :31:40.It is the V C10 from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

:31:40. > :31:45.

:31:45. > :31:50.Flown by Captain Burlingham. The two Typhoons. This summer they are

:31:50. > :31:58.playing an essential role for protection from above in the skies

:31:58. > :32:05.in the Olympic Games. Now we have the E3D, a battle and

:32:05. > :32:12.management platform. The Squadron Leader Gunning is the captain.

:32:12. > :32:22.And the Tornadoes, the Tornado GR4, providing vital intelligence on

:32:22. > :32:27.

:32:27. > :32:37.And this is the voyager, the RAF's newest aircraft, the replacement

:32:37. > :32:42.

:32:42. > :32:47.for the long-serving and venerable, wing span. It is the RAF's biggest

:32:47. > :32:53.plane. It can carry almost 300 personnel over 6,000 miles.

:32:53. > :33:01.And the excitement for the crowd of seeing the streams of red, white

:33:01. > :33:11.and blu in the skies above, the Red Arrows. The Hawk 267891s, the Red

:33:11. > :33:17.

:33:18. > :33:25.Arrows formed in 1965. A fitting end to the Queen's

:33:25. > :33:35.birthday parade of 2012 in the Diamond Jubilee Year.

:33:35. > :33:35.

:33:35. > :33:44.Cheer. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

:33:44. > :33:49.acknowledge the applause of the crowd. A final thought, Robin, what

:33:49. > :33:52.you think this all meant? Well, the Queen has had a great Royal

:33:52. > :33:59.occasion and today another great family occasion in the middle of

:33:59. > :34:02.this extraordinary summer. And, Huw, I would like to say well

:34:02. > :34:06.done to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, Rob, on a great

:34:06. > :34:10.parade, inspite of the lack of time that they had to prepare for it.

:34:10. > :34:17.Well done. So, the Queen's birthday parade is

:34:17. > :34:21.over. The 60th parade of the Queen's reign in the Year of the

:34:21. > :34:25.Diamond Jubilee in her reign. Other events to mark the year will

:34:25. > :34:30.continue in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth in the months

:34:30. > :34:36.ahead. Don't forget that the highlights programme is on BBC Two

:34:36. > :34:43.this evening at.30pm, but from Colonel Ben Farrell, and Robert