2012 Trooping the Colour

Every year on a Saturday in June, the Sovereign's official birthday

is celebrated with the ceremony of Trooping the Colour. And this year

many uniforms will feature the Diamond Jubilee Medal, as the

soldiers of the Household Division present their own birthday tribute

to the Queen. The custom of honouring the Sovereign's birthday

with a grand military parade goes back 200 years to the early 19th

century. Some 1,200 troops will feature in today's event. The

Escort, lead by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards whose colour is

being trooped today, it's their first opportunity to provide the

Escort since 1999. The guards are assembled in two ranks, a tribute

to Wellington's tactics in battle and a reminder that these soldiers

on parade today are trained and ready to fight. British forces have

sustained more losses in Afghanistan in recent weeks

bringing to 418 the number of British Forces personnel who've

died while serving there since operations started in October 2001.

Some 8,000 people are watching from the stands and around Horse Guards

Parade today. Those invited include ambassadors and diplomats from the

Commonwealth and beyond. Senior military figures and senior

government ministers including Philip Hammond, who's attending his

first birthday parade as Defence Secretary. There are more than 250

soldiers lining the processional route along the Mall they're made

up of 12 Foot Guards half-companies, comprising 14 officers and 240 men

from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and 1st Battalion Irish

Guards. In a short while, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and other

members of the Royal Family will leave for Horseguards.

This year's coverage will be slightly longer than yuerbl in the

Diamond Jubilee year. We are staying on air to give you live

coverage of the balcony appearance after the parade and the fly-past,

the most spectacular for years and continuous unedited coverage on the

Red Button. There have been two full-scale practises for the

Trooping of the Colour today. This is an underground car park, a

temporary home for the King's Troop who relocated from their base in St

John's Wood to wool wish. They have been here for a few weeks, they

have been up early, making the horses look great and the guns that

have been rebuilt, cleaned inside and out. The tackle here it dates

back to the First World War. Rachel has been on this one for about an

hour to clean it. These are small, chunky, sturdy

horses. Different to those in the Household Cavalry. They have the

mames hocked and chalks used here to ensure that all marks are gone.

Also aiming for perfection are our Escort. We join them to see how

their preparation has been going. The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

has had a busy summer. Receiving new Colours colours from Her

Majesty the Queen. Providing a guard honour in the state opening

of Parliament. At all times staying focused on the next deployment.

The demand is always focused on the operations coming up, past and

present, but a director from the garrison the other day was to get

everyone have the operations out of their heads, this is about the

ceremony. Don't mess up. Get it right. Don't let anyone down. Too

much work has gone into it. I would feel awful if I did anything wrong.

The main thought this year is to make sure that the dressing left

and to the right is immaculate. Without the straight lines when we

are going around it throwing everything out.

I'm not great horseman. I started to ride in September of last year.

I am definitely struggling, but hopefully it should come right on

the day. Everybody knows the Parade, the format. Everyone is getting

into the right position at the right time. Then you have to get

into the individuals, to tweak them, to ensure that the hands are in the

right position, the chins, maybe raising your voice slightly on the

odd occasion. To be able to go out there in front of millions of

people to perform the Escort for the Colour it will be an absolute

honour. I am likely to be thinking about

what a huge honour it is to be taking part in the Parade, but I

will be concentrating on stayingen the horse! There is no better

motivation than getting it right than the Queen taking inspection on

the day. I would like to think that all of us are thinking that today.

Holding honour as fine Coldstreamers do.

A sense of the intense build-up to the parade. So the Escort provided

by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. It is the oldest regiment

intownous service in the British Army. One of seven regiments in the

Household Cavalry. These are the personal troops of Her Majesty the

Queen. The 1st battalion is providing an elite service. The 1st

Battalion Coldstream Guards priing Nos two and three guards. We have

No.6 Guard found by F Company Scots Guards.

80% of them are new to this parade. Then the 1st Battalion Irish Guards,

over the summer they are providing lots of the security force for the

Olympic rowing and canoeing down in Windsor.

A look at No.4 Guard, Grenadier Guards. On top of ceremonial duties,

the companies providing support to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

serving in Afghanistan. They are serving with the Willie

Walsh who deployed to Helmand province earlier this year. They

sent a brief message for the parade. From all of us in Afghanistan, we

wish you the best of luck on the parade today. We are looking

forward to taking sentences next year.

"Cymru am Byth"! A rousing "Cymru am Byth" as the Colour parties

settle in. Let's say a few words about the regiment al Colour. The

new colour presented by the Queen a month ago. The Queen's Colour of

1st Battalion carrying 44 of the regiment's 144 battlements. It is

the 16th June of it marks the 269th anniversary of the Battle of

Dettingen. Colour Sergeant Paul Baines was awarded the Military

Cross for his braery in Afghanistan in 2010, when he came to the aid of

two comrades injured in a roadside bomb attack, despite being under

intense enemy fire. One of four Military Crosses awarded to

Coldstreamers in recent years. We are talking to his family later on

in the programme. He is planked by Guardsman Gareth Etherington and

Guardsman Kyle Dunbar. And the Officer Commanding today's

parade, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, the formal title

is Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant. He has been talking to

Clare about the challenges he is facing today.

I am back stage with a real professional. This is Burnaston.

She is 20 and knows what she is doing. Rob, that is a comfort?

really is. She is not the flashy horse of the stable, but steady. I

can rely on her. For an infantryman like me, it is fantastic to be

doing the parade with her. How proud a day is this for the

battalion? It is very proud. On the one hand, Trooping the Colour for

the Queen is something that we take seriously. Of course this year the

world's hies are on London with the Diamond Jubilee and with the

Olympics as well. So a challenge and a different one

for the guardsmen? There have been challenges this year that are extra.

There is no question about that. We have played a large part in a

number of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, that has made the

preparation more disruptive than it might have been. The boys have work

very hard around that. We are set for a good parade.

I know that the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards had a number of

really good candidates for the role of Ensign it was Rob's task to

choose who should have it. One young officer takes centre stage at

the Queen's birthday parade. We went to Sandhurst to meet the

Coldstreamers competing for the role of Ensign.

To be in front of the Queen will be overwhelming. It is not something

that you take lightly it will be a nervous time for me, yes. My father

was an Ensign in the 76 birthday parade it will mean a lot, having

seen the photos, to hear his memories of it, to have my own.

will mean a huge amount to me. There is a great responsibility if

you are filling in the rather huge boots.

Whoever gets to be the Ensign it will be a very well done, friendly

pat on the back and we will catch up with a drink after.

I am looking for someone who has proven professionally, but who also

has a great sense of humour and is able to look after his men and lead

from the front. On leaving Sandhurst, the officers

are sent on infantry training. The perfect opportunity to show the

qualities needed to be the ideal Ensign.

They will be tired, stressed. You can't see much. So they will be

working hard to identify what is going on. Around here this is

important for the role that we can do. If we can get this right, it

will be good for the person on the day of the Troop. The role of the

Ensign, many people think is it a ceremonial role, that is all that

it is, but it is a battle soldier. It is May, we are in Pirbright, the

location where we practise for the Troop. We have selected the Ensign,

it is 2nd Lieutenant Hugo Codrington, he will be out on the

parade for the first time today. is wonderful news to discover I'm

the Ensign. A great way to start life in the regiment. Hopefully I

will not mess it up on the day for the guys who will be working hard

over the next month. I think that Hugo is a very

accomplished young officer. He has good people skills. He cares

passionately about the men. That has come across in spades. I am

confident that the drill will go well as well.

So, the proudest of days for 2nd Lieutenant Hugo Codrington. We are

hearing more about his family's links with the 1st Battalion

Coldstream Guards later on. Someone who knows every detail of this

event is my guest once again this year. He commanded the parade

himself back in 2009, he is Colonel Ben Farrell. A warm welcome, Ben.

Thank you, Huw. A very good morning and good morning to the viewers and

to those watching us from Afghanistan.

Let's talk about the Field Officer. You have been there and done it,

what is going through his mind now? I've been talking to Rob. He seems

relaxed and confident. Way -- I was feeling this way myself at this

time. I have to say the Chief of Defence Staff, you know that the

hierarchy of the nation, you begin to feel with all of that pun you,

this is a bad day to fluff your lines! The first of the Royal

carriages will be arriving in a few minute's time. That departure is

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The Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess

Eugenie of York. In the second carriage there, and the first

carriage we saw the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of

Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Duchess of Cambridge who presented

shamrocks to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

this year. Representing her husband, the Duke of Cambridge. He will be

riding today as Colonel of the Irish Guards. So as the Sovereign's

procession is about to get under way. Let's join Clare Balding once

again. I m right outside of Buckingham

Palace with Captain Roly Spiller. A busy summer for you.

Yes, most of the soldiers on parade today were on parade last week for

the procession of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee now we are back

here for the birthday parade for the Queen. It is very special and

in the Jubilee Year we are looking forward to taking part.

The horses have to concentrate hard. We will take them to Norfolk. We

take them down to the beach and we ride them bare back in the waves

which is a really different experience for the horses. Most of

them won't have seen the sea before until we take them down and it

develops the trust and a chance to cut loose a bit.

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The Royal salute sounded by the Field Officer's trumpeter as The

Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh depart. They make their way towards

Horse Guards Parade and a new development for us this year

because The Queen and the Duke travelling in the glass coach today.

Buckingham Palace says this is because of the unpredictable nature

of today's weather. A glass coach which has been in regular use over

the past century for many Royal weddings including the wedding of

the young princess Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. The

Duke of Edinburgh celebrated his 91st birthday last Sunday and he

missed some of the Jubilee celebrations because of ill health

and we have the Royal Colonels following.

A great scene along the Mall. The short journey, just under a mile,

to Horse Guards Parade from Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh who left hospital a few days ago, after his

ill health and the Palace say say he was determined to attend today's

parade. Last night he host add dinner at Buckingham Palace --

hosted a dinner at Buckingham Palace in his capacity as Colonel

This is the scene along the Mall as the first carriages approach Horse

Guards Parade. The Duchess of Cambridge, in the past year she has

carried out her first solo Royal event and that was seen to be a

great success. And Prince Harry, he has spent the last week on

predeployment training in srving. In Suffolk. He is a fully

operational pilot with the Army Air Lots of cheering from the crowds

who have gathered here for the past two or three hours before the

parade got underway. The first glimpse of the of the Duchess of

Cambridge and Prince Harry. So these are the first carriages

approaching Horse Guards Parade. What will happen, as they approach,

we saw earlier that Number 3 guard had parted to make way for the

first Royal guests. When they arrive on the parade ground, there

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will be the National Anthem to Prince Harry salutes the Colour,

wearing the uniform of a Blues and Royals officer, decorated with the

medals of the Army Air Corp. The Royal party will have the best view

in the house. They will be watching the parade from the Major General's

Office which overlooks Horse Guards. It is the office once used by the

Duke of Wellington as commander-in- chief of the British Army.

Both sides of the Mall decked in Union Jacks as they were for the

jubilee events. The the flags will be flying on all Government

buildings until sunset and that's to mark the sovereign's birthday in

the traditional way. Leading the parade is Andrew Speed. It is his

job to make sure everything is up to scratch for the Queen's birthday

to scratch for the Queen's birthday parade.

It is our demonstration to the monarch of our commitment to her

and it is a celebration of the fact that she has dedicated herself to

the military and to the nation for 60 years. Sadly, this is my last

year as the Brigade Major. I have been lucky enough to work with a

really good team who hard work hard to produce these events. I am

looking forward to what will be a cracking parade.

Today, the Brigade Major is wearing a precious bearskin. It is on loan

from the varn Varney family. Andrew Speed has promised to return it in

perfect condition. The Blues and Royals was formed in

1949. The Blues and Royals with their

dark blue tunics and they are wearing the State helmet designed

by Prince Albert back in 1942. They are followed by the glorious sound

of the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, whose appearance

is one of the high points of the birthday parade.

The band directed by Captain Jason Griffiths. It is his first time in

this role at Trooping the Colour. There we can see at the heart of

the procession, the Queen's carriage, a bit further back,

proceeded by the first and Second Divisions of the Sovereign's Escort,

provided by the Blues and Royals. The Life Guards in their red tunics,

well, we will see them later because they are providing the

third and fourth divisions of the third and fourth divisions of the

A remarkable thing to note today that The Queen, as sovereign and

colonel of chief, has taken the salute every year really and

certainly since that first time after the accession in 1952. Her

first major ceremonial event since her father's death. Her Majesty is

taking the salute at every single parade that was held, there was one

cancelled in the 50s because of a rail rail strike, but every one

that's been held since the accession 60 years ago.

A glimpse for us there of the Royal Colonels. The Duke of Cambridge who

will be celebrating his 30th birthday this month, on 21st June,

The Prince of Wales, colonel of the Welsh Guards who has been awarded

the highest rank in all three military services by The Queen.

The Duke of Kent, of the Scots Guards and the Prince the Princess

Royal, colonel of the Blues and Royals.

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We mentioned the Royal Colonels, we have the non Royal colonels too and

have the non Royal colonels too and Ben has a word to say about them.

It is nice to see General James Buck nel who is a friend of mine.

He made an enormous contribution to our operations. He flew back from

Afghanistan last year to attend and One of the regular fe features of

the birthday parade, cheers of hundreds of children in the youth

enclosure and we can hear them clearly today. This year's

invitations were sent out to the boys and girls brigades and the

The Queen's head coach man is Mark Hargreaves who spent 23 years in

the Army including nine years with the kings troop. They will be

making a dramatic entrance later on on the parade ground. As I say, the

glass coach today, a new departure for us at the birthday parade, we

have never seen it before and that's because Buckingham Palace

says that the weather is rather unpredictable. Of course, The Duke

of Edinburgh, who has not been well recently, it gives him a greater

degree of protection as well. The Chelsea Pensioners represented

by ten pensioners today with a combined service of 211 years, led

by the Captain of Invalids, Major Philip Shannon who used to be

Director of Music of the Irish Guards.

On to the parade ground itself and Mark Hargreaves is preparing to

produce his distinctive salute of the Colour using the whip.

The Royal Colonels saluting as they pass the Colour and the non-Royal

colonels, Lord Guthrie and and Lieutenant General James Buck nel

will do like wise. The Queen will step on to the

saluting base. The Royal standard Royal Royal Standard will be

released and the National Anthem The the Lieutenant Colonel prepares

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So, the Queen's first duty is to inspect her troops. This is

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Barnwell's first birthday parade as

the senior Director of Music, appointed in November of last year.

Just in time for the enormous challenges of 2012 with the Diamond

Jubilee and the Olympic Games. He is kicting (Slave chorus from

Nabucco) -- conducting. MUSIC: 'Va Pensiero' (Slave chorus

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MUSIC: 'Va Pensiero' (Slave chorus The music changes to West Country

songs. An arrangement of songs associated with the West Country,

where the Royal Horse Artillery have a tradition of selecting music.

The Queen travelling in the glass coach. She will be wearing the

brooch of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

Ben a lot is said about the very deep and meaningful relationship

between these troops on the parade today and Her Majesty. Can you shed

a little more light on that? Yes, Huw, the Queen is the Colonel-in-

Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Cavalry. The five

regiments of Foot Guards and the two regiments of the Household

Cavalry. She has had an enduring and very

special relationship with the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry

for many years. Of course, perhaps, even stronger these days, when we

witnessed three generations of the Royal Family on parade. Of course,

not forgetting that bother her grandsons are serving with the

Guards. They take a pride in being the personal bodyguards of Her

Saluting the kiengs troupe. The Royal Horse Artillery, whose lead

gun financials at their Colour. That is why they are given their

salute as the procession passes that point.

In charge of all of the soldiers on the parade today is Major-General

Norton. He commanded this parade himself in 2003 and 2004. He's been

sharing his thoughts on his new role.

My personal experience began in 1985 as a young officer fresh out

of Sandhurst when I commanded a half company of street liners. Most

recently it saw me commanding the parade both in 2003 and 2004.

I was the Commanding Officer. A successful ceremonial calls for

teamwork, attention to detail, discipline and alof these qualities

translate directly to the battlefield. Albeit that the days

of marching in straight lines on the battlefield are long gone.

George Norton is one of several key figures taking part in the parade

in a new capacity. The senior Director of Music, his musicians

are making such an important contribution to this event.

To be the senior of the Director of Music is the Queen's birthday is a

dream come true for me. When a regiment of guards march past, the

shoulders go back, the chest is out. The pride is bist bristling through

the whole of their body language. It is really state ceremonial at

its height. The Scarlett and the gold glinting. The Massed Bands and

Her Majesty the Queen to preside over the proceedings. It is a

wonderful occasion. So, the parade stands by for one of

the most popular military marches known everywhere in the world.

First played back in 1869. Is a big moment for the Massed Bands Of The

Household Division it signifies that the Queen's birthday parade is

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Massed Bands, by the centre, slow MUSIC: Equitum Aduentu.

The raised trombone of Sergeant Charlie Hancock, gives the signal

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Massed Bands, by the centre, quick march! Nothing like it for rousing

and stirring music. Now these quick marches, with an American flavour

have been included at the request of Major General George Norton.

Recognising the close co-operation of British and US forces in

Afghanistan over the past 11 years. The lone drummer, Lance Sergeant

Blake lock brakes away. He is from Tyne & Wear. He has served in

Northern Ireland, Iraq and Long live our noble Queen, God save

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The drummer's call, a command for the officers to take post. A signal

that the next phase of the parade is about to start. The command of

the escort is passing because in days gone by it was the subitor's

Richard Crook was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. The escort

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take up their escort in close order So the he is escort steps off. It

is a proud moment on the way to escort the Colour. A remind We We

mentioned the Light Infantry, define that? The infantry role has

been to close with the enemy and in the closest, combat, but this role

has become sophisticated over over recent years and units like the

Coldstream Guards who are in Afghanistan, are engaged in

training, mentoring and supporting the Afghan forces and passing the

message to the population of Afghanistan that their purpose is

there to provide a safe and secure future for the Afghan nationals.

They have to be ready to operate in demanding and complex circumstances.

Halt. Escort for the Colour.

The Director of Music will move through to the front of the massed

Guards, change. Change arms. Arms. What a moment for regimental

Sergeant Major Daniel Morrell. He is ready to hand it over to the

So he has taken possession of the Colour from Paul Banes and prepares

to hand over possession to the Ensign. Second Lieutenant Hugo

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Escort to the Colour. NATIONAL ANTHEM

Escort to the Colour. Slow. Arms. The Trooping of the Colour through

the ranks is about to start. The regimental Sergeant Major returns

to the rear of the guard. The two centuries take up position in the

Escort to the Colour. Change. Arms. Escort to the Colour. By the centre.

Slow march. So the escort is in slow time. That

Here we have the vivid illustration of the challenge facing the bands

when they need to change direction. They have They have little room for

manoeuvre. They exercise a spin wheel. It is the most baffling move

of the parade. Lots of stepping forwards and standing still and

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suddenly, as if by magic they are So as the escort marches forward,

every guardsman aware of the significance of what is about to

happen. And for the Ensign, of course, bearing the colour, no

doubting the honour for him and for doubting the honour for him and for

his family. The Codringtons are a military

family and there have been two Coldstreamers. This is The Next

Generation to carry on this tradition and I am proud to be a

part of and I hope it will continue long after I have gone too. Being

an Ensign on the Queen's birthday is something that only comes around

every few years. It is not something I ever expected I would

be doing. So no doubting the Coldstream

So no doubting the Coldstream credentials of the Codringtons, Ben.

Indeed. As we look now at the formal process of Trooping the

Colour, what does that signify? These parades have practical

origins and formally within the Army, date back to 1746, but before

that, barons and chief tans used to use their flags or banners as

rallying points on the battlefield and they used to troop the flags

through the ranks of their soldiers in order for them to recognise.

What we see today, although very much a ceremonial occasion, has

historical and practical roots. Often today we see colours, despite

having no practical purpose, deploying with regiments overseas

and I served with Coldstream Guards with Bosnia where we deployed with

Lots of the guardsmen on parade today, highly decorated including

the is service Medal which involves Iraq and Afghanistan. Some more

medals today. Neil Lowry has been awarded the Service Medal today as

has David Rogers, who is on parade. And he will shortly become the

Queen's Piper. So a fantastic fantastic day for both of them.

And in this Diamond Jubilee, 440,000 Diamond Jubilee medals have

been awarded to those in the Turn. Escort to the Colour. Change

arms. Guards, show arms. Officers take post.

Quick march. The officers ordered to take post.

Only the captains remain in front of the guards and the Colour moves

Members One to Five will retire. About turn. At the halt. Quick

So, the line opens up. A moment of relief, too, probably for lots of

the guardsmen. They've been standing still for well over an

hour, but it is not a moment to relax. The march-past is about to

take place. Trying to keep that line of so many men straight is a

precision task, really. It requires a lot of concentration and

confidence. It is the embodiment of Members One, Five Guard will

surveillance. About turn! Member Six Guard, close order, march! Move

to the right in threes. These! Right. No.6 Guard have their own

special manoeuvre to get into line. Quick time. By the left slow march.

So, the splendid march-past begins with Cold stream Marches by Trevor

MUSIC: Coldstream Marches. As we appreciate the precision and

the Colour, a moment, Ben, to reflect on how long the Guards are

allowed to prepare this year for the parade? We have always had a

period described as spring drills, where the regiments could prepare

for several months before the Queen's birthday parade. Over the

recent years as the army has become increasingly busy, this time has

been limited. None more so than this year when the 1st Battalion

Coldstream Guards have been involved in so many different

events before today. So they have no time for spring drills. We were

warned of peaking early in our preparations for this parade. I

think in my discussions with Rob, he said there was no danger of them

peaking early, that he was hoping that they would peak today. Looking

at it so far, I think they are achieving that here.

Field Officer with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. The

major of the parade, Major Mark Lewis of the Welsh Guards.

The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, who first trooped their Colour for

the Queen in 1954. This is the sixth time they've been given the

honour. The last time was back in 1959.

Guardsman Dowler, he is 6ft nine inches, one of the tallest members

on the parade today. The Prime Minister and Samantha

Cameron enjoying the parade with lots of other people in the stands.

The Colour moves to the front of the Escort. Making the position

ready for the formal march-past when the Queen will take salute.

The timing is critical here. They have to get it off in perfect shape.

This slow march is deceptively easy. The experts say it is very testing.

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On this gravel surface, it is Field Officer at the parade. The

Queen acknowledges to the famous tune of Figure row, the cold cold

slow march. -- the Coldstream march.

The Ensign acknowledges the flourish.

Decked with the laurel. Remember the Battle of Dettingen.

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The Ensign raises the Standard in The majestic slow march of the

-- Handel. The Duke of Edinburgh, the Colonel

of the Grenadier Guards. The Irish Guards slow march.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, the Colonel of the Irish

Guards. The music changes to the Scots

The adjutant of the parade, Captain Frederick Wells of the 1st

Battalion Coldstream Guards salutes the Queen.

Captain Frederick Wells, the classmate of Prince William at Eton.

One of the few Old Etonians serving at the moment, but it has a rich

tradition of many being Old Etonians.

Field Officer has ridden out to salute the Queen to show that the

slow march-past is complete and the A very proud day, of course, for

everyone on parade. Without exception and for their friends and

families. Clare has been speaking to one proud mother a little

earlier. Yes, I'm with Susan Baines, whose son, Paul is the Colour

Sergeant today. What a day for you? Yes, it is really special to see

him doing something like this instead of dangerous! He was

awarded an MC? Yes, in Afghanistan on the tour of 2011, but he

accepted, he wanted to ensure he accepted the award on behalf of his

battalion, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards as they all do a

special job. It is not just him.

So, deflecting the personal attention for you. You have a

personal link with the Queen? I was born on.coronation Day. So my

mother named me Susan Elizabeth. Have a wonderful day.

That little exchange, Ben, underlining for us, how important

it is, when we think about the support and the backing provided by

autumn of the families? Yes, Huw. It is often described as the unsung

heroes, but of course, today, No1 in the charts is the Military

Wives' Choir, but I think that I have support of everyone in the

parade of everyone recognising that a critical part of being a soldier

is the support of your wider family. A vital cog in the success.

So, we have the Red Feathers. The neutral quick march. I'm not so

sure how neutral that is. It does really allude to the red plumes,

worn by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards when you see them

on parade. The march-past was last MUSIC: Red Feathers.

What is more apparent than anything, today, Ben, is the pride. The pride

involved in putting on the best possible military display than

anywhere in the world? That is absolutely right, Huw. I always

like to reflect that what you are seeing today is the ceremonial

occasion performed to the highest standard by battle-hardened

soldiers. Looking at them today, the only part of the parade that

has changed over the years are the weapons. They are carrying the bay

nets that they deploy with. They are hugely proud much the dual role.

You can see the highest standards today, reflected again in all that

they do overseas. Since the operations began in Afghanistan and

Iraq, the Household Cavalry troops have deployed on multiple occasions

and made a vast contribution. The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

have distinguished themselves on operations both in Iraq, recently

in Afghanistan with two tours in the last few years and another tour

imminent next year. Of course, the Scots Guards will

deploy in October, 2013, as will one of the companies of the Irish

Guards and the Household Cavalry will do so as well.

I would also like to reflect on the fact that on parade today we see

some of the most senior officers who have made a vast contribution,

thinking about General James Bucknall. George Norton, both of

whom have contributed three years of their lives to Afghanistan. That

extends to the most junior of men. It really is a one-army effort.

Some of the medals reflect that. There are a number of soldiers

The quick march of the Coldstream Guards. A real sense of dynamicism

and energy now. The Queen acknowledging the Colour

at the rear of the escort this time, The quick march of the British

girlfriend Grenadiers. St Patrick's Day, a quick march for

Into the neutral quick children. Children of the Regiment.

A moment for the Commanding Officer to pause a little to check the next

stage in the parade. He has been telling us what the day means for

telling us what the day means for him.

Well, I feel proud to be representing the regiment and to be

on the parade with my soldiers. I also feel I have a degree of

trepidation as well, wanting to ensure the parade is of the

standard that the forebearers in the regiment expect and Her Majesty

expects as well. The message I give to my soldiers is one I'm going to

give to myself which is to enjoy. It is wonderful part of it.

The Field Officer's thoughts a few days ago. What will he be thinking

days ago. What will he be thinking at this stage? Relief. Their motto

is second to none. They set themselves high standards. He has

not had any difficulties out there and they are doing a great job and

they will be enormously proud of what we have seen today and it is

all looking good for a great parade, Huw.

The parade, of course, has so many elements which never change and

that's why people love it. I have to say Horse Guards Parade has

looked rather different over the decades, certainly since The Queen

came to the throne. There is a sight for you. That goes back to

the 1950s when Horse Guards Parade was used as a car park and that

carried on for many decades, well into the 1980s.

It is quite a thought then that on this very parade ground later this

summer, there will be a different event taking place. Yes, Huw, on

Monday the preparations for the Olympic Beach Volleyball commence

here and I understand that there will be around 2,500 tonnes of sand

laid and it was transform itself -- it will transform itself into an

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Officers take post. Quick march. The officers take post in front of

the Guards again and to complete the formation of the line, they

will take up their dressing once again. The Colour will be taken to

the front of the escort. In open order. Left and right.

Massed Band, one move to the right. Right turn. Massed Bands, quick

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Now the mag nif Now magnificent bands of the Household Cavalry.

Training the horses take three to to four years. There is a strong

wind out there. It is getting under the horses tails and they are being

tricky to handle. We have Mercury and Achilles. Achilles has been

Now this was a sight that was missing from last year's Queen's

birthday tread. The Troop had to miss the parade. In all their

German chancellor European Commission this is the 15th time

they have been on parade. They join the parade by request from the

Royal Family. The request took place in 1998. They have moved home.

They spent 65 years in St John's Wood and have moved to Woolwich and

over 8,000 people welcomed them on their first day. I had a look at

their new stables there. They are stunning. They are built from brick

and timber and they have high ceilings and the ventilation is

much better and the vets are saying the horse that had respiratory

problems are finding it easier in their new home and have proved a

Commanding Officer Major Mark Edward. He took part of the King's

Troop in August 2011. It is his first time at the the birthday

The lead gun, treated as the Colour of the Troop.

The same respect paid to it as the Guards Colour. The guns first saw

Each of the six 13lb quick fire The Field Officer of the

Sovereign's Escort. He was deployed to Afghanistan as second in command

in 2010 as part of the Household The music changes to the Regimental

Slow March of the Life Guards. Captain Anton Wallis who is riding

Connery today. The Life Guards originally were

raised in 1616. The Life Guards the senior regiment of the British Army.

And in their distinctive dark tunics, the farriers with the black

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The field officers and the the trumpeters and the the trumpeter

would always be on a grey horse so so they can be seen in battle.

With the King's Troop we have 75 horses on on parade today. And the

saddles are the same standard issue British Army saddle that was used

in World War I. And horses actually recognise the

music and their ears will prick up as soon as the first few bars are

The Commanding Officer there, Major Mark Edward, he is riding Lucy. All

the horses in the the King's Troop are graded through according to

colour, from A to F. A is is the lightest and brown is the darkest.

The Duke of Edinburgh salutes them as they go by and each gun is

pulled by six horses. The three on the near-side are riden and the

three on the off-side are held in hand by the near side jockey who is

known as the driver. The front pair are the leaders. They are the

taller, bolder, slightly more athletic horses. They act as the

accelerator and the smaller pair offer draft power. The wheel horses

act as the brakes. They are usually thick set as they are required to

stop the tonne-and-a-half of gun The Household Cavalry going past in

a sitting trot. It is not the most comfortable, but it looks neater

than rising trot. And once those horses have Majesty,

which is one of the newest horses. This year the Household Cavalry

opened up the naming for the first Kettle drummers crossing their

sticks, that is fair form of salute for Her Majesty at this birthday

parade. They are led away by Captain Jason Griffiths, the

Director of Music of the Blues & Royals in a successful first

appearance here in this role at the A magnificent state coach of the

Mounted Bands. The oldest ceremonial uniform in the regular

army. It can only be worn if a member of the Royal Family is

present by permission of the Sovereign. Or in fact at the

request of the Lord Mayor who traditionally paid for the uniform.

So those are the conditions. The Director of Music will turn

inwards as a signal to the Field Officer that the Household Cavalry

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Guards, royal cluet, present. -- Guards, Royal Salute, present

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arms. Guards, now arms.

In close order. Left and right. There we see the dressing and then

the eyes front with no word of The Mounted Bands of the Household

Cavalry make their way back to the Approach Road to accompany the

first of the Royal carriages as they return to Buckingham Palace.

Quick march. Each guard will form into two

divisions for the march-off as they march off down the Mall in line. So

it is a narrow space so they must reform.

The adjutant is the tune. It is composed by Major Tom Birkett.

Guards, will advance, about turn! Guard on the es court, close column.

-- Escort. By the left, quick march! So to the

music of the drums. Turning about with the First Division with the

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Escort to return to the Sergeant Guards, shoulder arms.

The Garrison Sergeant Major Mott. His ferocious attention to detail

that is always evident at these great ceremonial events.

So, the Field Officer approaches the Saluting Base. He will seek the

Your Majesty's Guards are ready to march off, ma' am.

Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant, the Field Officer in Brigade

Waiting, turns to his position at the centre carriageway.

It is along the Mall, some of the Royal guests we saw earlier were

watching. They are already back, on their way for that balcony

appearance and the fly-past. The Duchess of Cambridge, who

accompanied the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the first day of

their Diamond Jubilee Tour this year. That was to Leicester.

It was the first full day of engagements for the Duchess of

Cambridge alongside the Queen. We saw another of those days recently.

There is Captain Harry Wales. And the same carriage... And the

glass coach has been brought back to Horseguards parade for the Queen

and the Duke of Edinburgh to return to Buckingham Palace.

And when we consider some of the weather that was inflicted on us

for part of the Diamond Jubilee events, today has been a great day.

It has been sunny at times and dry throughout. So perfect conditions

for the Queen's birthday parade of 2012.

The Royal Standard flying above the Horseguards building. Garrison

Sergeant Mott. Who is ready to give the signal that all is ready for

the Approach Road and the signal is The marching music, Northumbrian

Airs. Arranged by Trevor Sharpe. The glass coach, built in 1881.

Bought by the Royal Family for the coronation of King George VI in

1911. We have seen it many times since then, including several Royal

weddings. Including the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Attending a week after being discharged from hospital after that

Her Majesty leading her personal troops.

From Horseguards Parade on the way back to Buckingham Palace where the

day will continue for some of these guardsmen. They have other work to

The Prime Minister, and Samantha Cameron applaud at the end of this

parade. Other ministers are also present and the heads of the armed

forces too. The Queen who celebrated her birthday at 8 in

April of this year, the Duke who was 91 last weekend.

The Queen who's having her 60th parade this year. She knows what to

expect. She will be taken to outside of Buckingham Palace, then

a slight pause and then the entire Royal Family emerge on the balcony

for a fly-past. We had an impressive fly-past for the Diamond

Jubilee, but I will dare to say that today's is possibly even more

spectacular. Colonel Ben Farrell is till with me.

I will reflect at this moment, Ben, that Trooping of the Colour, the

birthday parade, represents the core values and standards of the

army? Well, it does, Huw. I think we could pause for thought about

the army of 19523. That was the National Service army. 440,000 or

so soldiers. They were de employed, 60,000 of

them in the relatively newly formed army of the Rhin, globally there

were troops in Egypt, mall aaire, Korea, East Africa to name a few,

but we are moving now, as recently announced to an army much 82,000

men and women strong. With very few overseas garrisons. So, if you

track that through the history of the Queen's reign, the army has

changed in structure, deployment, the nature of conflict. Of course

1968 was the only year in the Queen's reign where a British Army

member has in the been killed in combat. So the army has changed in

structure and size, but one of the enduring features that marks out

the British Army and in a way manifests the demonstration of that,

we have just witnessed today. There is a great continuity that the

Queen provides for the British Army. And the birthday parade is part of

that enduring, guiding hand on the army.

Given what you say, Ben, what is the Household Cavalry going to look

like in the years to come? Clearly Yes, Huw, the Birthday Parade, we

can trace it back many years. Next year, I would be surprised if we

don't have a similar parade and many, many years. The recognition

of the importance this occasion to the nation, to the Army and Her

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

Majesty, is appreciated by Of corks Huw, we can see the

regimental adjutants and between them they have 200 years service.

Andrew They wear medals. They play a very, very important part. It is

nice to see them out there today and I'm sure they will have enjoyed

a very good parade. We are provided extended live

coverage of the Queen's Birthday Parade this year. We are staying on

air to bring the procession along the Mall back to the Palace and

then the balcony appearance and the fly-past when it happens.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh enjoying the sights along the Mall

from the glass coach. It is the first time we have seen the coach

in use because the Palace thought the weather wasn't reliable today

and who can blame them? As we go along the Mall, Ben, I am sparing a

thought fort street liners, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and the

first battalion Irish Guards have been working hard? They are the

first people out in the morning and the last to go in. They have have

done nearly four hours standing on the Mall and guarding the route for

Her Majesty as she travels to Horse Guards and back to Buckingham

Palace and I was chat to go Colonel Edward Bowness and his Sergeant

Major who was Prince William's instructor at sand Sandhurst and

the Irish Guards are about to move on Monday in preparation of the

Olympics. They are providing security and ceremonial duties

during the Olympics. They are looking after the Eton and Dorny

events where they are manning 44 different entrance points and

checkpoints for spectators. Another varied task and proud to be part of

the Olympics too. And joining us for this extended

coverage of the Birthday Parade is the author and Royal commentator,

Robert Hardman. Robert, welcome. What do you make of the parade?

There is great continuity. Today is something of a breather and an

extraordinary summer for The Queen. This is reassuringly familiar.

There have been extraordinary sights over the last few weeks,

today we have an anchor in the Royal Calne Royal en der. --

calendar. We have the garter at Windsor Castle on month. These are

events she knows and loves. While they are big events, they are

stress-free compared to some of the things we have seen in the last few

days and weeks. A word too about The Duke of

Edinburgh, who looks maybe a little frail today and that's not

surprising given what he has been through in the last few weeks. He

wanted to be seen to be attending today? That's right. He recently

turned 91. He regards this event as crucial. Last night, he was hosting

the annual dinner of the senior senior colonels. He takes that

seriously. And also, of course, he wants to be alongside The Queen.

This is her Birthday Parade. It is a big day in her life. He more than

anyone is well aware of that crucial bond between the monarch

and the Armed Forces. There is glorious sunshine now.

There is a great sense of pageantry and procession today as we see the

Union flags decking the length of the Mall on both sides on the St

James' Parkside and the north side and the scarlet and the gold Tudor

coats glinting in the sunlight today. It is a magnificent sight.

One of the features of this year's Diamond Jubilee, of course, has

been the prominence of the Queen's grandchildren in the official

events, not just in the UK, but throughout the Commonwealth and

they have been paying their tributes to the Queen and they have

been sharing their stories and memories with us.

What The Queen has managed to do, she has managed to bring the

monarchy into the 21st century as best she can. She has not had a

blueprint. She has done it her own way and from my point of view, that

has been hugely successful. She is timeless. She is this

figurehead that, she is in touch with every generation instinctively.

The world looks to her and follows her and the same as we do. She is

this person who for 60 years has been there for everyone, in wars,

in terrorism, everything. She has stood there and taken it all in her

stride. Regardless of the time of day,

wherever she turns up, she is full of life, smiling and able to go

into a room and bring the room to life. These are things at her age,

she shouldn't be doing, but she is carrying on doing not only in this

country, but around the world. balance she gets between her public

role and the private role of being a grandmother and great-grandmother,

she has figured that balance out effectively.

She is a good person to be leading the family and she does it from the

front and we all have massive respect from her and love her to

bits. She doesn't care for celebrity and

she really minds about, you know, having privacy in general. It is a

tricky line to draw between private and public and duty. I think she

has carved her own way completely. My grandmother is The Queen. It is

The Queen first thing and grandmother in public. That is your

job. That's the way you behave and that's how you act and that's how

you carry yourself out and she does that that immaculately. Behind

closed doors she is my grandmother. She will put her foot down and pull

out The Queen card. Pulling out The Queen card. A

moment again to reflect after the voices, Robert Hardman on the young

Royals and the way they are managing to transform perceptions

of the Royal Family? Yes, they really come into their own during

this jubilee. It has been a demanding year for The Queen and

the Duke. It has been helpful to have the younger generation, the

grandchildren coming out and helping The Queen on key occasions.

Today, of course, but also through, as you mentioned, the first day,

the big jubilee tour, there was the Duchess of Cambridge at The Queen's

side in Leicester when it was the Royal Maundy ceremony, there was

Princess Beatrice with The Queen there. And I think we will see more

of them at these big occasions where there is a big Royal turnout

and it is nice to be able to fall back on three generations.

It is that tricky, balance isn't it, how do you maintain tradition and

underline heritage? Yes, monarchy is about tradition and pomp on the

surface, but it has to evolve. It has to remain relevant and

accessable and it is a difficult juggling act and it has been one of

the great successes of this reign. As we saw with Prince Harry for

example earlier this year, representing The Queen on her

jubilee tour overseas, he can bring a buzz to Royal events as can the

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge which is crucial if you are reaching out

to younger generations. Ben, what are we likely to see now

the parade is over? There is still some military work to do and

processional work to do at the Palace? Very much so. Inside the

forecourt of Buckingham Palace, you have the guard who are formed by

the first balance talion of the Irish -- battalion of the Irish

Guards which are known as the old guard. The soldiers will continue

with their duty for the next 24 hours.

This is one of the few occasions when the cousins, the extended

cousins turn out. At the Diamond Jubilee, we just saw, the core six

if you like, just The Queen, her heir and his he irs. Today, The

Queen has invited the cousinhood. The Queen being a great-grandmother

of tworks not to mention -- two, not to mention the other family

members. At the Diamond Jubilee when we saw

the restricted numbers on the balcony, this was a more cost

conscious Royal Family. What we saw at the Diamond Jubilee was a State

occasion and it was almost a statement. This is the future. What

we see today, it is a family occasion, it is the Queen's

birthday party. Some years ago, her officials did suggest perhaps on an

occasion like this, it might be wiser to trim down the numbers and

The Queen wouldn't have it. She said, "I want all my family here."

This and Christmas is the two occasions when they all get

The Duchess of Cambridge among those enjoying this scene.

Princess Michael of Kent, the Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex

too. And the immense Royal Standard flying both Palace signalling, of

course, that The Queen is in residence.

The Queen taking the salute and we will soon see the Mounted Bands and

the King's Troop paying their As we enjoy this scene, Ben, it is

worth reflecting on the fact for some of those who have taken part

in this parade today and have put a lot of work into it, it is not a

time to be take ago rest? No, it is not Huw. I highlighted many of the

guards were continuing with their duties and those who are not

involved in in guard duty this weekend will be back on Monday in

some form or shifting on to worry about the Olympicsment the

Household Cavalry Regiment, the kings King's Troop, the Irish

Guards, to name a few, start training and preparing for the

Olympic Games and the Coldstream Guards in particular are left

holding the baton in London during the Olympic period for ceremonial

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

duties. So a busy time ahead for The King's Troop formed in koorns

with King George VI for state ceremonial occasions.

The officers, the non-commissioned officers, the Troopers, come

prizing the Sovereign's Escort. The first and Second Divisons of

the Blues & Royals, the third and This is a moment where the Queen

and the Duke of Edinburgh will make their way into Buckingham Palace.

Ben you can reveal the secrets of what goes on in the reception room

before the balcony appearance as of course you have been there as the

Field Officer? I have, Huw. Taking it from where Lieutenant Colonel

Robin Sergeant is now. In a way, he will be relieved to have gotten to

this point. He is to ride out to salute Her Majesty the Queen, and

now the Colonels and the Queen will all go inside Buckingham Palace. We

dismounted inside the forecourt. I think that the quartermaster of the

Irish Guards, had arranged for carrots to be given to the horses.

I have to say, I was so hungry and exhausted by that stage, I ate one

of them myself! As part of a beginning of a process of

refreshing myself and very, very kindly, we are then invited in to

Buckingham Palace to join all of the members of the Royal Family

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

behind the room that you can see CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

Well, as the crowds grow, looking ahead to the balcony appearance we

join claers once again. Well, this may not be the closest

view, but it is one of the highest. Look at these people standing on

the walls. We are down near Canada Gate. A family here, the youngsters

have come for the first time. This is Annika, the youngest, you are

how old? Six. Who is your favourite member of the

Royal Family? The Queen. Good for you. You are very proud to

be here? Yes, we are proud to be here.

Now, what about you, the first time at the Queen's birthday parade?

the first time. Came down for the Jubilee, I caught the bug. It is

really proud to be British. It is great.

That is great to see this. Having seen the dierpld Diamond Jubilee,

the Jubilee saw millions of people coming into Central London to see

some of the biggest events staged That is the view that the Queen and

the Duke of Edinburgh and the rest of the Royal party have got as the

Pageant is well and truly under way now.

The atmosphere is a real carnival atmosphere down on the River Thames,

and on the banks as well. There are still many, many boats to come.

There it is on top of the National The people are a little more than

just being a bit damp, but they are sticking with it. Well, we are

British! The Queen is about to leave. She is still smiling. I hope

she's had a fabulous day. # Let me entertain you

# I remember when I was young... # We're celebrating the Diamond

Jubilee # We're celebrating, the Diamond

Jubilee # We're celebrating, the Diamond

Jubilee. # # Our house in the middle of our

street # Our house in the middle of our

# Our house # In the middle of our street

# Our house # In the middle of our...

# Life goes on # And if you want some fun #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE. Your Majesty, mummy! Thank God, the

weather turned out fine! As a nation, this is our opportunity to

thank you and my father, for always being there for us. For inspiring

us with your self-less duty and service, and for making us proud to

be British. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE.

I don't think it is fanciful to say that in all of her public

engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of

others. All of the signs are that she is herself, happy, fulfilled,

and at home in these encounters. # With you

# With you... # # Sing it louder

# Sing it clearer # Knowing everyone will hear you

# It's a noise # Find your voice

# Tonight # Sing it stronger

# Sing together # Make this moment last forever

# Old and young # Shout in love tonight. #

# To hear 1,000 voices # Shout in love and light and hope

# Just sing # Come on and sing

# Sing it louder # Sing it clearer

# Knowing everyone will hear you # It's a noise

# Find your voice # Tonight

# Sing it stronger # Sing together

# Make this moment last fore ever... # Hear 1,000 voices shouting loud.

# And a very similar sight it has to be said. Enormous crowds on the

Mall today for the Queen's birthday parade of 2012. Far bigger than we

have seen for many years. That reflects all of the excitement of

the Diamond Jubilee. Some of that success recognised today here Yes,

Gary Barlow is now an organiser of that concert, he was with Gareth

Malone who put together the fantastic choir. They are riding

high in the charts. I think we could see one or two other awards

for those involved in that extraordinary weekend. There is

evidence of the Jubilee Bounce. A vast crowd. We saw it in the week

when the Queen was in the East Midlands.

They were astonished by the size of the crowds. We are to see this as

cross the country as the Jubilee Tour continues. It has a long way

to go. Will the excitement we see translate into a permanent legacy?

I think so. We have definitely seen a rise and rise in the popularity

of the Queen and of the whole institution. It has been reflected

in opinion polls since the Jubilee itself. One went out yesterday,

putting the Queen's satisfaction rating, if one could call it that,

at 90%. I can't imagine a politician in history has ever had

it that height. The love affair between the British and the

monarchy is on a high. You mention the events to come.

The tour to Northern Ireland and Scotland and we will have the big

events leading up to the Olympics. The opening of the Olympics. The

Queen has the Olympic family coming round to the Palace and she will be

watched by the Olympic planet as she declares the Olympiad open.

The police, as they always do, controlling the flow of the crowd

around the Mall and around The Queen Victoria Memorial on this

sunny day, allowing them the best possible view of the balcony. They

want to get close to the railings and close to the balcony to see the

members of the Royal Family gather on the balcony today led by The

Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, but they will get a good view of

the fly-past which will come over the City of London and down along

the Mall over admirality Arch and will fly over Buckingham Palace.

That will be worth waiting for and that takes place in 10 or 12

minutes time. Just imagine the scene, we have

thousands of people here at Buckingham Palace, but, of course

in St James' Park and Green Park there are many crowds too who have

come into town today to enjoy the events of the Birthday Parade and

there is the proof for you. Remarkable scenes and Robert, we

haven't seen numbers like this for the Birthday Parade for many years?

No, Huw. This does reflect, as we were saying that the jubilee has

really raised the game even higher. The public really do want to feel

they are part of this jubilee, if they couldn't make it to the great

events a few days ago, a lot of people thought "I'm going to come

along today." We will see that as The Queen continues her tours

around the country. There are people who will have come from all

over the world to see this. The scene in Green Park. The King's

Troop are preparing to fire their 41 gun salute in honour of the

Queen's birthday. It is worth explaining at this stage the

Queen's birthday in reality is in April, on the 21st April when she

celebrated her 86 birthday. Today is an official birthday. It is a

practise that was introduced by Edward the seventh whose birthday

took place in November. One can imagine the weather wasn't great

for that, so he decided the official birthday should be

instigated in June and for most part the weather has been kind.

Today a good choice. So the basic Royal salute, 21 rounds, but the

number of rounds depends on the place and the occasion and today,

an additional 20 takes place because it takes part in Green Park

which is a Royal Park so it will be a 41 gun salute.

Later this summer, as we were reminded a short while ago, the

area around Buckingham Palace, James' Park will become an Olympic

arena. Clare Balding is one of the stars competing? This is Dave Weir

and you will be competing here. It will be my last race of the

marathon. It will be the last race of 2012. I hope the crowds will be

like this. How do you feel watching this,

knowing you will be racing here? It is special when you see the flags

and the crowds. It has been a great year for the nation with the

Diamond Jubilee and today now we have got the Olympics so it will be

special. I love TI love it.-- I love it. I love it.

You were awarded an OBE. We had a gathering at Buckingham Palace and

I have met her a few times. She knew who I was and stuff and when I

got my MBE, she said, "You are Here again, David." It was special, yeah.

You look fit. Is training going well? I have had a good year. I had

one crash in Switzerland, but I have got over that and yeah,

training is really going well and I have got a couple of months to just

tick over and get ready for the big one. There is nothing like a home

Games to motivate you? It is a big motivational for me. I am probably

at the end of my career now. One big push out m.

. -- one big now. So watch out for David Weir.

Good luck. Thank you very much.

We look forward to it with great enthusiasm and lots of enthusiasm

today along the Mall and there you see the crowds gathering outside

Buckingham Palace. They know what to expect. An appearance on the

balcony by the The Queen and other members of the Royal Family and a

great fly-past which will involve helicopters and a Hercules and the

new Vovager, the Battle of Britain flight is not able to be with us

because of weather conditions. This year is all about celebrating 60

years of the Queen's reign. Her Majesty's record of attending and

taking the salute at the Birthday Parade goes back to 195 srks the

year -- 195 srks the year before the accession when the young

Princess Elizabeth stood in her for her George VI.

Leading the procession, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and the Queen

Mother, Prince Charles and Princess The Queen a picture of composure

and elegance. The Queen, Colonel-In-Chief of the

Scots Guards. The Queen in her silver jubilee

year. She will receive the Royal The Queen's horse receiving a

reassuring pat from The Queen, an What more lively and colourful way

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 54 seconds

can you think of saying, "Happy Hip-hip, hooray.

There we have Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. His first

appearance at the Birthday Parade So The Queen's Birthday Parade of

2012 in Diamond Jubilee year is reaching its conclusion. There will

be a balcony appearance in a few minutes time and then we'll have a

magnificent fly-past to mark the Queen's official birthday.

In Green Park the 41 gun salute is underway. A ten second interval

between each round of fire. All of the individual fire station counted

and marked on leather pads in the traditional way.

-- all of the individual fires counted and marked on leather pads

The sound of the Royal Gun Is a salute -- royal Gun salute echoing.

So far the King's Troop fired seven official salutes and 306 rounds in

The scene at Buckingham Palace. Everything is ready for the balcony

appearance and Ben Farrell, you have been in the room. You know

what the atmosphere is like. Tell us what is going on right now as

that appearance is about to take place? Huw, the Royal Family,

extended Royal Family are gathered in the room with the colonels of

the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry regiments where they are

really celebrating the Queen's birthday and a family occasion and

there are grandchildren running around. There was plenty of

hillarity and The Duke of Edinburgh approached me saying, "I didn't

think your voice was going to hold out." They sort themselves out into

an order in which to come out on to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh

are the first to arrive. The Prince of Wales is getting

ready to appear on the balcony too along with Prince William and the

Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge and the fly-past will

take place within a minute, we think and the first things we'll

see and the Royal Family know what is to expect, they will be looking

up to the skies,ion the City of London, to spot first of all, four

helicopters. Lady Louise Windsor holding her great-grandmother's

And the four helicopters are on their way. The merlin, the first of

a new generation of advanced medium support helicopters for the RAF.

Captain squadon leader, we have a puma, battlefield helicopter, we

have a Sea King from RAF Valley which is Prince William's base and

we have a Chinook. It is the work horse of choice in Afghanistan

carrying troops and equipment. The captain is Flight Lieutenant

The four four helicopters are now passing passing directly above

Horse Guards Parade. We have a great view of them. The Chinook is

make ago great thunder ess noise. They were meant to be followed by

the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, but sadly because of windy

conditions that's not possible so we won't be seeing the Lancaster,

But we are seeing the great Hercules, the King Air.

Now on their way. The Hercules, of course, used mainly for moving

personnel and equipment in operational theatres. The Captain

today is Flight Lieutenant, Davey. The King Airs, are multi-engine

pilot trainers. All of it being enjoyed by the

Royal Family as they wait for the next group of aircraft.

It is the V C10 from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Flown by Captain Burlingham. The two Typhoons. This summer they are

playing an essential role for protection from above in the skies

in the Olympic Games. Now we have the E3D, a battle and

management platform. The Squadron Leader Gunning is the captain.

And the Tornadoes, the Tornado GR4, providing vital intelligence on

And this is the voyager, the RAF's newest aircraft, the replacement

for the long-serving and venerable, wing span. It is the RAF's biggest

plane. It can carry almost 300 personnel over 6,000 miles.

And the excitement for the crowd of seeing the streams of red, white

and blu in the skies above, the Red Arrows. The Hawk 267891s, the Red

Arrows formed in 1965. A fitting end to the Queen's

birthday parade of 2012 in the Diamond Jubilee Year.

Cheer. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

acknowledge the applause of the crowd. A final thought, Robin, what

you think this all meant? Well, the Queen has had a great Royal

occasion and today another great family occasion in the middle of

this extraordinary summer. And, Huw, I would like to say well

done to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, Rob, on a great

parade, inspite of the lack of time that they had to prepare for it.

Well done. So, the Queen's birthday parade is

over. The 60th parade of the Queen's reign in the Year of the

Diamond Jubilee in her reign. Other events to mark the year will

continue in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth in the months

ahead. Don't forget that the highlights programme is on BBC Two

this evening at.30pm, but from Colonel Ben Farrell, and Robert