2016 Trooping the Colour

Every year on a Saturday morning in June, the sovereign's official

birthday is celebrated in great style with the ceremony

This year, there's an added dimension, because this is the year

And the honour of Trooping the Colour in 2016 falls

So, stand by for a thrilling display at the Queen's Birthday Parade.

A very good morning, on this exceptional weekend of celebration.

This is where we'll be following all the pageantry,

the marching and the music of the Queen's Birthday

Parade ? in this year of Her Majesty's 90th birthday.

We are just a stone's throw from The Mall ? the grand

processional route starts at Buckingham Palace ?

where the Royal Standard is flying, signalling the Queen's presence -

and then leads to the vast expanse of Horse Guards Parade,

which is the world-famous stage for today's birthday parade.

There will be as many as 1200 personnel involved

Some of them, including the musicians, are already

on their way after weeks of preparation for one

of the finest military parades anywhere in the world,

when the Sovereign's birthday will be honoured with the custom

And the honour this year falls to the Coldstream Guards.

We'll be keeping a close eye on everything that takes place

on Horse Guards Parade, and if there's anyone working

in the Foreign Office today on the south side

of the Parade Ground, they'll have a great view,

as will the residents of No 10 Downing Street.

And talking of a great view, some of the best seats

are on the roof of the Citadel building ? the fortress built

Normally, we'd be following the parade from the commentary

box in the stands, but this is no normal year.

So, from our studio here in St James's Park,

we'll be enjoying all the day's events, culminating in a spectacular

birthday fly-past at 1 o'clock, watched by the Queen and members

of the Royal Family from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

This is a celebration of Her Majesty's official birthday.

The Queen's actual birthday was on the 21st of April ? marked

Yesterday, there was a national service of thanksgiving

at St Paul's Cathedral, attended by dozens of members

of the Royal Family, but it was a notable day

for the Duke of Edinburgh, who was celebrating his 95th

And tomorrow ? on the third day of this official birthday

celebration ? there will be thousands of people on The Mall

enjoying a giant street party, with picnics and entertainment,

recognising the valuable work of the many charities which enjoy

Our focus today is on the birthday tribute being presented

The preparations began very early this morning, and Clare Balding

is at Wellington Barracks with the King's Troop

This is the hooking up process where they attach the teams of six horses.

Lee Wheeler 's act as the breaks, strong and chunky animals. As you go

forward the horses get more refined, all with the manes making them look

sleek. In terms of that attitude, these are dependable horses. And you

needed to. Six guns, all of them saw service in World War I. They are 13

pounders, and they have been polished up to the nines. If I

needed a mirror to check my make-up, I can see my reflection in them. The

King's Troop celebrated its 300th anniversary this year and the Queen

paid a visit to their base at Larkhill to honour that. This

afternoon they will do their bit to pay tribute to the Queen's 90th

birthday. Our very own tradition on the day

of the Birthday Parade is to invite a guest to join us with direct

experience of the parade. This year I'm delighted to welcome

Brigadier Greville Bibby, who retired last year after 34 years

in the army. He is ? among many other

distinctions ? a former commanding officer of the 1st

Battalion Coldstream Guards. A warm welcome, great to have you

with us today. Delighted to be here, one of my favourite days of the

year. Can't think of a better setting than the middle of St

James's Park. It's very cool. I'm looking forward to a great parade.

It's a massive day. The Queen's 64th parade, her 19thth year. The

Coldstream Guards Trooping the Colour for her on one of the biggest

days I can remember. You have direct experience of the parade, and here

is the proof, 33 is ago, playing a central role in 1983. I'm clearly a

bit slimmer. Standing alongside the regimental Sergeant Major and as he

handed me the Colour he said, don't drop it, there are 10 million people

watching. Just the encouragement I needed! I wanted to join the Army as

long as I could remember. I had a bearskin and tunic from the age of

four. I followed my father and grandfather into the regiment and

here I was at 20, 21, Trooping the Colour in front of Her Majesty. Your

pride is still evident today, 30 odd years later. Let's talk of the

regimental pride for the Coldstream Guards. What does it mean for them

today? A lots of men and women on parade today, but a lot from the

Coldstream, probably the biggest guard I can remember. They were

presented the Colour in 2012 and they now have the chance to show it

off to her. What better birthday present could somebody want? I'm

looking forward to chatting to you through the day and you can give

your expert analysis as we go on. We can look at Horse Guards Parade now.

So, a period of relative calm on Horse Guards,

before the Parade Ground is filled with the sounds of marching

and music, which really are the hallmarks of

Some of the talented musicians of the Household Division

We have the bands of the Welsh Guards and the Scots Guards.

They are soon to be joined by their colleagues from the Irish,

Looking on from the public stands, eagerly anticipating,

Looking on from the public stands, eagerly anticipating

the ceremony is a crowd of more than 7000 people ? including

Not long to go before the Queen and other members of the Royal

Family will leave Buckingham Palace, heading for Horse Guards Parade.

And later, there will be the traditional balcony appearance ?

one of the favourite moments of the day ? where we see different

generations of the Royal Family greeting the crowd.

All eyes will be focused on the skies above St James's Park

for the first sighting of the magnificent 90th birthday

fly-past being staged by the Royal Air Force.

It will be one of the best for many years.

On The Mall, proudly making their way from Wellington Barracks,

this year's escort ? provided this year by No 7 Company,

Coldstream Guards, the oldest regiment in continuous service

in the British army, and one of seven regiments forming

They are very much Her Majesty's personal troops.

The motto of the Coldstream Guards is "Nulli Secundus"

The guardsmen can be identified by the red plume in their bearskins

- worn on the right side ? and their tunic buttons

The last time No 7 Company trooped their Colour was in 2007.

But 2012 was also a Coldstream year when the honour went to the 1st

Just a time to say something about the transition between operational

duty and ceremonial duty. 2012 was the last time the battalion was on

ceremonial duty. They have been on operations for the last four years,

going to Afghanistan, Romania, Kenya, Belize. It's only in the last

few months that they have reenroll into ceremonial duty. It's not that

big a challenge, every guardsmen going through training is taught his

drill. Extra drill for guardsmen going through training. It's a case

of the senior guardsmen, senior non-commissioned officers hanging on

that experience and memory. This year the troops lining The Mall

and adjoining routes are provided by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards,

under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alex Turner ?

who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for

service in Afghanistan. They are lining the streets

conscientiously today. We'll be staying on air until just

after 1 o'clock to provide live coverage of the parade,

the balcony appearance, And there's continuous, unedited

coverage for you on the red button. And if you'd like to be involved,

we'd love to hear from you. Send us your messages

for the Armed Forces on this special day, or if you're holding

a celebration to mark Simply get in touch with our BBC

news feeds on Facebook and Twitter And if we have time after the

parade, I will try to use some comments as part of the discussion.

And as the Escort makes its way towards the Parade Ground,

it's worth underlining that many of its members are new recruits.

It really is a high-profile way to start life in the regiment.

We joined them a few months ago as they arrived

at Wellington Barracks for the start of their time in No 7 Company.

The Guardsmen that have just arrived have just finished their phase two

training in Catterick and today we'll get them kitted out

I'm the senior master tailor for London district,

so I'm the guy who measures them up for their tunic,

their tweeds and their greycoat and then we'll send them off

to the storeman to get them into the sizes that I've

This'll probably last him for about a season.

We change the greycoat in October and by the time he comes back

for tunics, this probably won't fit him and they would have

all changed body shape because they're all young lads.

So, this is probably the only season he'll have with this tunic.

Then I went through the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

It is tough but it builds you up to be the best,

especially joining the Coldstream Guards.

I've looked through them all and I can't seem to find

Nothing really fits my head at the moment.

How does that feel?

Not too tight? No.

It's important that it's not too tight because otherwise we'll be

As you see here, it's looking a bit like ragtails because it's

So, get into the shower, wash it like you would your hair.

Wash some mild shampoo into it, which gives it a real clean

I feel happy now. Now I've got one, finally.

We're down at Pirbright to continue another day's troop training.

Given that the Sergeant Major's here today, he'll be making sure

that we've got our column distance between guards correct and we're

There are five members of the escort that are still under 18.

That's why it's on the back of your head.

Coming straight from school was a bit of a shock.

Training was definitely the hardest thing I've done.

The hardest thing to master is probably the forms

People are pushing down, pushing on you and people

get popped out of line, which knocks the whole line out.

And also if you go past the saluting line, Her Majesty

Because I'm the far left marker, I'm marking time for absolutely ages.

I'm standing on the front row, front left, so it's

It's my job to make sure that they're picking up on all the finest

of details so that by the time of the parade, there'll

Trooping the Colour is probably the toughest thing I've done so far.

Getting things right without being pointed out

I don't think there's going to be many more monarchs that

have a 90th Birthday Parade, so you've got grab it and it'll be

So, a memorable few months for those new recruits.

Some of them, including Guardsmen Orton, Brayley

and Cunningham, have earned a place in today's Escort,

taking centre stage today, as they prepare to face the crowds

and march smartly onto the Parade Ground.

And marching with the Escort is Number 2 Guard, found

by Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

A very heavy presence from the Coldstream Guards today.

Number 3 Guard and Number 4 Guard are also found by Coldstream Guards.

And they're being led onto the Parade Ground by the Band

Already on the Parade Ground in position are Number 5 Guard.

Found by Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards, created in 1994

to carry the colours of the suspended 2nd Battalion,

and to maintain its customs and traditions.

Right at the far end, formed up at right angles near

the Old Admiralty Building, we have Number 6 Guard,

found today by F Company Scots Guards,

an independent Company created in 1994, representing the suspended

The Scots Guards last trooped their colour in 2011.

So each of the six numbered guards on parade is made up of three

officers and 70 men, apart from the Escort,

All of which makes a total of 19 officers and 426 men.

We mentioned the Irish Guards are represented

in the Massed Bands, and they're

The Welsh Guards, who trooped their Colour last year, are also

represented by some of the musicians in the Massed Bands,

Now one of the prime features of this parade

is precision and exemplary collaboration.

It's the kind of teamwork that becomes

possible when everyone is determined to work together.

Ask anyone who is involved and they will tell you it is one

And the regiment's photo album was updated very recently.

We decided that this year, as we have a number

of key personalities who are Coldstream Guards on this

year's Queen's Birthday Parade, that we'd set up and take

I joined the Army in 1996 and was commissioned

I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1988, so about 28 years ago.

I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1994, so I'm now in my

I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1993 and I'd always

I joined the Army in 2007 and passed up from Sandhurst in 2008,

commissioning into the Coldstream Guards.

I joined the Coldstream Guards in August last year

We're a very special Regiment with a long and deep

There is a great and very powerful feeling of family

There's a phrase we have in the division, if you cut

someone they'll bleed blue, red, blue, which are our

I've known a lot of them in battle situations as well as clearly

Many of us have served together on operations in Iraq,

Afghanistan and further back in Northern Ireland.

We're primarily front-line infantry troops.

When you're on tour, you're living in each other's pockets.

You get to know your comrades extremely well.

There's lots of humour and lots of banter that goes on,

Of course, if you get into contact and the adrenaline starts flowing,

you know you can rely on the person left and right and you know

that the person next you would probably give

What makes the Coldstream Guards special is just how

Today is sort of a family day and the idea is to get the soldiers

and their families to come so they get to see more

about what we do, they get to ask questions and it's an opportunity

They are desperate to get me to take them shooting at the wall.

This year we've kind of got the past, present and future

So, we have a number of recruits from Caterrick who are in various

We've got past members who've formed th evarious associations around

the country and also the serving members of the battalion,

so the three generations of Coldstream Guards are here today.

Just a step slightly over towards Senior John Major, please.

As the Regiment historians of the future look back on these

days, hopefully they'll have an understanding of some

of the people that served in the Regiment in our time,

so that those who are serving in the future can look back

and learn and ensure they understand what makes this Regiment proud

and some of the history that goes before them.

The photograph will be hanging in the respective officers'

and sergeants' mess and then quite possibly a copy to Her Majesty

as a birthday present from the Coldstream Guards

Here he is the man who will be Field Officer in Brigade Waiting.

Did you sleep well last night? Not too badly. Grey Fond is a late

draft? Yes, unfortunately the horse I was due to ride two weeks ago went

lame and I rode Grey Falcon for the first time and he is the super sub

and I'm sure he will deliver the goods. How much do you worry about

your riding or is it about commends and what's going on the parade

square? I try to remain calm and not transmit any nerves to the horse of

the Household Cavalry really looked after me well in the build-up to the

parade. There has been a lot of teamwork across the Household

division. If I asked you whether you're looking forward to, what's

the answer? I am looking forward to, it is nervous anticipation. It is an

honour and the boys and girls are all really looking forward to the

parade today and I hope we can deliver the goods. OK, well I hope

you put your best foot forward and Grey Falcon does his stuff!

Best of luck. We will be talking more about the

Commanding Officer later. The Colour Party is in place

and it's the Colour of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards that's

being trooped today. The colour carries 44 of

the regiment's 113 battle honours - the oldest being Tangier in 1680,

and the most recent being The Colour was presented

by The Queen in 2012, but this is the first

occasion it's been trooped. So it's a notable honour

for the members of the Colour Party. The Sergeant of the Escort

is Sergeant Sam McAuley, it's his fith birthday parade,

and he's marched with He's flanked by the two

Sentries to the Colour. Guardsman Mark Bazeley,

the Right Sentry. And Guardsman Jack Bazeley,

the Left Sentry. Yes, they look identical in their

uniform, but they are in fact, eye Kentical twins! We think this is the

first for the Colour Party at the Birthday Parade. Their parents and

younger brother are in the stands today. Clare has been talking to

their proud mum. You had an early start this morning.

I was up at 4.30am organising everything and making sure we got

everything, tickets, all the clothes ready, dogs organised. So yeah, it

was a heckic morning. What was your reaction when the boys rang you to

tell you they were both going to be in the Colour Party? Initially

shock, very proud of them obviously. So for them to be doing this

initially in their first year is brilliant. It is fantastic. How old

were they when they decided they wanted to join the army? They were

18. They were, you know, a few dead end jobs and didn't really know what

they wanted to do and they came home from town one day and, "Mum, we've

joined the Army." That was a shock. I don't think I spoke to them for

three or four days and I was in denial, here we are today and I

couldn't be prouder. Having seen the effect it has had on them, would you

say it changed them as people? Yes, very much so. They are very

independent people now. They are proud people. Very tidy, very tidy,

when they come home, leave the ironing until they come home. Yeah,

they're very proud, very, very proud of what they're doing and

everything. They are identical twins and they will be wearing identical

uniform. You know which side they will be on, can you tell them apart?

I can, yes. I can, yes. Mark has got different features. They have got

different features. They were standing here, you would know by

their personalities, their personalities are different. There

are a few different features, very slight, but yeah, they are there.

Well, you have done them proud and wish them well today.

They were 21 this week, the twins. Greville, an important thing that

the mum said about this opportunity, the Army, having given them an

opportunity to refocus their lives? Isn't that lovely. I like the idea

of them going home and doing the ironing. They will have the mickey

taken out of them forever on that one. Isn't that fantastic. They are

delightful young men. You and I met them last week. Weren't quite sure

where they were going in life and they walked into a recruiting office

and the recruiting sergeant there encouraged them to join the

Coldstream Guards. I think because they were particularly good looking.

What about Sergeant McCauley? He is one of the youngest sergeants in the

renlg: He served in Afghanistan twice and his wife and two girls

will be enjoying this moment. Look at him there, centre stage. Well, we

wish them well because they are really getting a lot of attention at

this moment and they have part to play.

The officer commanding today's parade, the Field Officer

in Brigade Waiting, is Lieutenant Colonel James

Thurstan, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

As he was telling us earlier, he was commissioned

into the regiment in 1997, and assumed command of the 1st

His younger brother Charlie, also a Coldstream officer, was

So, let's take a closer look at the Escort.

And the Ensign is 2nd Lieutenant James Potter

is already in position on the Parade Ground.

Greville, as the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, you helped

You saw me doing what he is doing today. One of my responsibilities

last year was the selection of young officers to join our regiment. So

James commissioned out of Sandhurst last year, completed his

professional training and is now thrust into the limelight as the

Ensign of the day. Enjoyable? Yes, I think so. I think it is excitement,

a few nerves. He will be worrying about a number of things which I

won't, I won't expose because people will pick up on them, but there are

a few areas in the parade where he is thinking he has no control over.

He will be hoping it goes well. A word about the major of the parade.

Of the Welsh Guards, we have a Welsh Guardsman Second in Command of the

Coldstream Guards, how does that work? Well, that's become more and

more normal. With the reducing size of the Army, we find that officers

swap regiments and it explains why I started life as a Grenadier and

ended up commanding the Coldstream Guards.

Well, there is a wonderful look down the Mall with the Union Flags and at

Buckingham Palace, the first carriage procession is about to

leave. We have Prince Harry and the Duchess

of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge. They were at the Service of

Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral yesterday. We have The Duke of York

and his daughters. And then in the third carriage, we have the early a

Earl and Countess Earl and Countess of Wessex.

At Canada Gate, facing the Palace, a very big crowd for what everyone

knows is a very special Birthday Parade to mark the Queen's official

90th birthday. The Duchess of Cambridge there.

Having celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary earlier this year and

Prince Harry, who has been very busy this year with his second Invictus

Games. They took place in Florida back in May. Took a lot of work and

a lot of preparation. It has become a success. Over 110 athletes from

the UK competed in those Invictus Games.

The Duchess of Cornwall has seen her individual profile grow

She attended the State Opening of Parliament with the Prince

The Royal Salute is sounded by Trooper Peter Chivers

of the Blues and Royals ? the Field Officer's trumpeter

Some people have brought manageable and modestly side union flags,

others have brought much larger ones to wave as the Queen passes. The

crowds this year numbering many thousands, we will have the official

number later. The crowd this year is much bigger than they usually are at

this point in the parade, indicator of the significance of the day.

The Duke of Cambridge, in his sixth year riding as Colonel

of the Irish Guards, and he is the regiment's first Royal

The Prince of Wales, riding as Colonel of the Welsh Guards ?

a role he has fulfilled for the past 41 years.

And we saw the Duke of Kent earlier, Colonel of the Scots Guards.

The Princess Royal, Colonel of The Blues and Royals ? a position

In September last year, Her Majesty overtook the remarkable

record set by Queen Victoria, as the longest-reigning

monarch in British history, and went on to celebrate 64 years

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, both great, great grandchildren of

Queen Vic Tory. Let's remember, when we think of the Queen's remarkable

record of attending this parade, Queen Victoria only managed to

attend one Birthday Parade, when she was in her 70s.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and their children, we saw them

yesterday in St Paul's Cathedral. Lady Louise Windsor. Lady Louise is

12 and the Viscount is eight years old. They turned the corner from The

Mall and into the approach road. It means the first carriage is almost

at the parade ground. Captain Harry Wales is also

an officer in the Household Cavalry which is why his uniform today

is that of a Blues and Royals As the first carriage is approached

the parade ground, we will see the formation has changed.

Number 3 Guard has opened up to make way for the first Royal guests,

as the band prepares to play the National Anthem.

That will signal the arrival of the first of the royal guests at Horse

Guards Parade today. The carriages approach

the Horse Guards building, where the Royal party will watch

the parade from the room once occupied by the Duke

of Wellington, and now the office of Major-General Ed

Smyth-Osbourne, Commanding You know this room, Greville, and it

has a strong link to the Coldstream. It does, back in 1650, the

Coldstream Guards were raised by Oliver Cromwell as part of his new

model Army. He then Colonel George Monck was the resident first

colonel, who marched his regiment, known as the George Monck's regiment

of foot, from Coldstream down to London, and it then became loyal to

King Charles II in 1661. General George Monck sits down at the

Major-General as he sits at Wellington's desk doing his e-mails!

The Sovereign's Escort ? one of the most impressive sights

of the day ? seven officers and 111 Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned

Officers and Troopers ? from the Household Cavalry Mounted

Leading the procession along The Mall is the Brigade Major ?

Lieutenant Colonel David Hannah of the Irish Guards.

It's his first parade in this role ? and to think that as a 9 year-old

he visited Waterloo with his father, and that's what inspired him

Vixen is the charger I have been given for the Birthday Parade,

and indeed the various parades beforehand which serve

It's my first as Brigade Major, but I have been on parade

I have the task of leading the royal procession on to the parade,

and then around the parade during the inspection phase.

Much of my work has to be done well before the parade,

in terms of the planning, preparation, coordination

and helping to stitch it all together into what I hope

will be a memorable and successful Birthday Parade.

And by the way, one of his teenage daughters

Let's see if the rules change and make that happen.

As Brigade Major comedy role is important. Let's define it. Working

closely with the garrison major, the Brigade Major is responsible for all

military ceremony in London. Between them they have prepared for this

parade, prepared initially for the Major-General, they're in media to

boss, and made sure it's ready for Her Majesty today. A big and

challenging task for David. A lot of hard work by him and his backroom

team as well, from London headquarters district. A lot of hard

work goes into putting this together.

And the uplifting sight of the Mounted Band

of the Household Cavalry, led by the Director of Music,

Major Craig Hallatt of the Life Guards, who's

composed two pieces of music for today's parade.

The 1st and 2nd divisions of the Sovereign's Escort,

provided this year by the Blues and Royals with their distinctive

The Field Officer of the Escort is Major Alex Owen.

This, his last Birthday Parade, as he's leaving the army at the end

Today he's riding George, named after the Queen's father

Then the 3rd and 4th divisions of the Sovereign's Escort

are provided by the Life Guards, with their red tunics

The tradition of using the Household Cavalry to escort

the Sovereign to the Parade was introduced by King George

The Duke of Edinburgh first rode in the Parade in 1953 in the full

Since then he has always attended in the uniform of a Colonel,

as he became Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1954,

and later, Colonel of the Grenadier Guards in 1975.

The great processional route along the Mall is lined with the union

flags. The great processional

route along The Mall, lined with Union Flags,

but not quite as ornately decorated as it was for that first

Birthday Parade of the Queen's reign in 1953, when the coronation arches

were still in place. The Union Flag flies on all main

government buildings from 8:00am until sunset

on the day of the Parade, and for the Queen's actual

birthday on April 21st. The mounted cavalry will be making a

dramatic entrance later. Always good to see one of the high points of the

parade, such a magnificent and exciting presents.

We can hear lots of energetic shouting and cries of support and

waving in the youth enclosure. The Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade

represented. They contrast in terms of age with the very dignified site

of the Chelsea Pensioners, around a dozen of them today, led by the

Captain of the invalids number one company. Their combined ages, as

they stand to salute, their combined age is 785. It's great to see them.

The Household Cavalry taking up their position on the eastern fringe

of St James's Park. As the Queen arrives to enjoy this

summer tradition of the official birthday, firmly established by

Edward VII. Her Majesty's carriage turning onto the parade ground. The

head coachman, Jack Hargreaves, getting ready to salute the Colour

in his unique way, with his whip. Very experienced head coachman, Jack

Hargreaves saluting the colour. The formal start of the Queen's Birthday

Khan parade of 2016. PLAYS NATIONAL

The Queen's first task is to inspect the line of guards. It is also an

opportunity for the Massed Bands to entertain. The man in charge, Senior

Director of Music, this is his second Birthday Parade in the role.

MUSIC: The Banks of the Green Willow.

MUSIC: The Banks of the Green Willow by George Butterworth.

The music changes to Northumbrian Airs, a favourite of No

The Queen's colonel of chief. Chief of all 7 regiments of the Household

Division. Today she's wearing the brooch

of the Brigade of Guards in Uno, five joined in one featuring

the badges of the five-foot The procession passes

the Sovereign's Standard The Household Cavalry is the only

regiments allowed to present a Sovereign's Standard

on today's parade. Inscribed on the Standard

are the regiment's Battle Honours The standard bearer is Squadron

Corporal Major George Sampson. The Queen is preparing to look at

the King's Troop. The last parade for Major General Ed Smith as burn.

He's riding Jutland, named after the First World War

battle, the 100th anniversary was commemorated last week

and the General's great-uncle was killed at Jutland on HMS Invincible.

Very soon it will be turn of the Massed Bands

of the Household Division to introduce the next phase

of the parade and the musicians will be following the steps

of the Senior Drum Major, Scott Fitzgerald of

his third year in this important role.

The mace these days is used for drill movements.

I would signal a spinning wheel with the mace, mark time, halt,

Historically, it was used to clear the streets.

When the drums and flutes were going through the streets,

the drum major would clear population out the way.

Nowadays it holds all the regimental battle honours.

I really hope Her Majesty enjoys the music for the Quick Troop.

It's a special arrangement of Happy Birthday, so hopefully

she will be tapping her foot and hopefully she'll pick

up the Happy Birthday within the arrangement

Scott Fitzgerald sharing his views on today's parade.

What will he be thinking? He is a professional man. Scott was the Drum

Major in the battalion when I was Commanding Officer ten years ago and

I will never forget the day I woke up on the morning of my 40th

birthday to hear the tones of Happy Birthday being played and looked out

of the window and there was the corp of drums playing me happy birthday.

If I could point out also, the extreme left, as we look at it,

Steve State this is his 25th parade. He is another old friend, we went to

Gulf War I together and he was on my Guard of Honour when I got married.

Massed Bands by the centre. Slow March.

Sur centre Hancock will be giving a signal. Has final parade after 30

years of service. Massed Bands by the centre. Quick

march. The quick march is Royal Birthday composed by Major Alf

Young. Listen carefully for the Happy Birthday theme!

There we see the lone drummer, Jason Pitman. He is acknowledged to be the

best drummer in the division. He is carrying a Coldstream bugle used in

the First World War by Drummer Aitken whose descendants are

watching the parade today. Greville, the best drummer? Yes, this is a

lovely moment for this young soldier. Jason's father plays the

drums. Jason played the drums as a boy and he is what we call the lead

tip, the best drummer and he is the silver bugle, which is the best

bugler in the battalion. He'll never forget today.

The drummer plays eight bars of a field signal. Orderly Guardsmen Mark

Preston comes forward to take the pace stick.

The subaltern of the Escort, Captain Freddie Russell,

gives the order for the Escort to take up their dressing in close

order ? a tighter formation for the march forward

The Escort steps off with great energy and purpose to the rousing

march of the British Grenadiers, on their way to escort the Colour,

showing the results of weeks of hard work.

It's a great moment? All eyes on No 7 Company. The Sergeant Major will

come forward in a minute. This is the moment they have trained for for

the last six months, among the other duties they have. They are centre

stage, nowhere to hide, and everybody will be giving 100%,

desperate for it to go well. They know all the Coldstream Guards out

there will be checking their dressing and drill. It's a matter of

impressing all the people watching, but a lot of expert eyes watching,

and one really expert pair, Her Majesty's. The 64th time she has

watched this. She will know whether it is good or not. I'm really proud

watching this, they look fabulous. 16 paces in front of the Colour,

ready for the collection to take place, the kernel.

-- the Colonel. Escort for the Colour in open order.

Such a proud moment. A career that started in 1993, having served in

Iraq, presenting over to the Ensign, Second Lieutenant James Potter.

The transfer is made ? as the Ensign, 2nd

receives the Colour from Regimental Sergeant Major ?

and places it securely in his white Colour belt.

So we enter the central phase of this Birthday Parade

as the Escort prepares to troop the Colour through the ranks,

It's no longer the Escort for the Colour.

The Escort advances in slow time, to the tune Escort to the Colour,

which has been played at this point in the Parade since 1978,

and very soon the bands will have to negotiate

It's the military equivalent of a 3-point turn and it's

200 musicians ? supported by 40 members of the corps of drums

and pipers ? having to change direction without

And to put it mildly, it's a challenge. It's always intrigued me,

I've never understood how they have done it. I had the privilege of

watching the Massed Bands rehearse this a few weeks ago. I was told

that the instructions are not written down anywhere. I think the

mystique is part of the thrill, but they successfully achieve it every

year. The garrison Sergeant Major, the senior band major and senior

drum major art all Coldstream Guards.

The music changes to the familiar Grenadiers Slow March,

arranged by Fred Harris, as the Escort prepares

to Troop the Colour through the ranks.

We approach a deeply symbolic part of this parade where the Colour is

trooped. What's the significance? It's the spiritual heart of the

parade. All the Coldstreamers past and present watching will be feeling

the emotion. There is no question, I am! The significance is that before

the days of radio and modern communications, the only way

soldiers on a battlefield knew where they needed to be was the following

of the Colour. It was the rallying point. So many soldiers were killed

every day, the new recruits were shown the Colour every morning so

they knew exactly which their Colour was and where their rally was.

It is such a big moment for the Ensign, 2nd

Lieutenant James Potter, who's 25 and from Salisbury, joined

the Army less than two years ago, and was commissioned

He's been telling us about the honour of being chosen.

When I heard I was Ensign, I was obviously ecstatic.

Quartermaster Sergeant, he produced a heavier practice colour.

So when I'm flourishing, I can get used to the actual feel of it.

To prepare, I think lots of it is just conditioning,

so definitely some extra time in the gym, working on the shoulders

to try and make sure they are up to the task on the day.

I do love being the centre of attention, I must admit.

And going over to collect the Colour in the middle of the parade,

I know that there is a slight pause and that's the moment

everyone's just watching me when everyone else is stood still.

So it's a good moment and I'm very much looking

James Potter with his thoughts. Greville, you have been there, what

are your thoughts? To be honest, I'm welling up. I have gone fizzy all

over. I know it was 33 years ago, but I remember it so well. This will

possibly always be the biggest day of James Potter's life. I'm certain

he will be enjoying it. This is an opportunity for them to

show off their musical skills. We have the Corp of Drums led by Drum

Major Maurice Brown and we have got the Drums and Pipes, led by John

Smylie. All the guys are soldiers first. They've got a lot of medals

between them. And it is just amazing how they can be soldiers and

musicians, immaculate really. Right. March past in slow and quick

time. By the left. Slow March. So the trooping phase

is complete and the march The neutral slow march

is Old Coldstream Marches, arranged by Lieutenant

Colonel Trevor Sharpe, for the Coldstream Guards

in the 1960s and 1970s. It has been used on numerous

Birthday Parades. Such a good view of the march men. A

good moment for us to reflect. People watching from the good

vantage point of the Major General's office. Lady Louise and her father,

the Earl of Wessex. It's the perfect moment

in the Parade to appreciate the quality of teamwork

and collaboration that's vital on parade but also

on the battlefield. I have to say at this stage other

parts of the Army tend to take the mick out of the Household Division

for our ceremonial role. But it is not easy and to get everything right

relies on an extraordinary level of teamwork. We might see a bit of it

now, the Guardsmen in the middle of the ranks, keeping the officer in

line, the ranks working really hard to try and keep a straight line

which they are achieving really well. We have the Company Sergeant

Major who will tell the officer when he is ready to do a left turn and,

"Right, sir." Here he goes, yeah, teamwork, all the way throughout the

parade and clearly, directly transferable on to the field of

battle. What does it take to get to this level of performance? This

level of precision? I think it is a combination clearly of practise, but

confidence. Confidence in your own skills and ability to do it and

these guys work together on a daily basis and they know the whole Army

ethos is based on teamwork. We are no good as individuals. A big lesson

in life for me and that's what it is about. It is about the teamworking

and nailing it together. The Escort moves off,

led by the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting,

Lieutenant Colonel James Thurstan The Coldstream Guards Trooped

their Colour for Her Majesty the Queen for the first time 62

years ago in 1954 and today marks the 16th occasion they have been

granted this honour. The Ensign raises the Standard known

as the Recover after they pass the salute.

Very soon the music will change. The Grenadier Guards Slow March.

The number 5 Guard. We have the Slow March of the Scots

Guards Figaro for the F Company company Scots Guards.

The Adjutant of the Parade is Captain Olly Morley

of the Coldstream Guards, originally from Oxford,

commissioned from Sandhurst seven years ago and has served twice

in Afghanistan and is a former assistant equerry to The Queen.

The music changes to Long Live Elizabeth.

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting,

Lieutenant Colonel James Thurstan rides out to salute

the Queen, now that the slow march is complete.

All the stands family members, including the Potter family. A proud

day with them with Second Lieutenant James Potter closen as the Ensign

and Clare has been speaking to James' family. Sally, a hugely

special day for you? It is such a special day. We are very, very

excited about the whole thing. When James rang us and said that he was

going to be doing this, I think the three of us whoop, whoop, it was

just so wonderful. Justin, I know there is a fair bit of military

history. Did you expect James to go and follow various footsteps? Oddly

enough, no. Although he is the fourth generation and we have a

large family sort of history as you say, it wasn't until the second year

at university that he expressed an interest, but he has always made up

his own mind, but once he made up his mind to do it, that's what he

wanted to do. How are you feeling today? I'm incredibly proud and I'm

very excited. As I suppose, every parent would be. Gemma, are you

nervous for your brother? I'm terrified. I was unable to sleep

last night. It didn't make it any better the fact that he said he done

it 44 times. For him, he is just marching in his sleep. For us, it is

terrifying, he seems to be at peace with it all. For the family, it is

not so much fun. I know his grandmother is watching at home? She

is, a hugely, hugely proud moment for her. She is 95. She was in the

MTC during the war and for her, it is just, just so important. So

wonderful. She is watching it with friends and she is going to have a

wonderful, wonderful day. I hope he does too and enjoy it yourselves.

Thank you very much, Clare. The importance of the support of

family and friends and today's parade is a constant reminder of

that, Greville. I can safely speak for every soldier, sailor and airmen

when I say support from our family and friends is the single most

important thing for us when we're deployed on operations. I will never

forget the time when my wife who is a serving soldier, she went to Gulf

War. That sense of being left behind is agony. At this point, I despair

at the thought for those families and friends living with the

consequences of a loved one being killed or injured and I mean it,

Huw, when I say, it is those families and friends that deserve

the medals. The guards have now re-formed

and they're now ready to march past The style changes,

the tempo quickens, there's The neutral quick march

is Great Little Army, composed by Kenneth J Alford,

considered to be one of the finest The change of tempo is led

by Lance Sergeant Neil Brocklehurst of the Scots Guards,

the Senior Time Beater. A moment to reflect on the style of

the parade so far. There might be other opinions in the

Major-General's office, but let's hear yours, it Greville. Together we

did see a couple of mistakes on parade. That's what rehearsals are

for. But so far today, I think we are witnessing a fantastic parade.

The Massed Bands, the core of drums, as ever they are absolutely on the

money, magnificent. We are about to see the Household Cavalry, the

King's Troop, and they are mind blowing Lee Smart, the amount of

preparation they have put in. The line I was talking about at the

Arms Jill has looked really sharp. Let's not forget the Colour points.

At the bottom of the screen you can see them marking out the square and

they stand there all day steady. It's a thankless but critical task.

No 2 Guard is found by 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

The Captain of No 2 Guard is Major Oliver Biggs,

whose father Andrew was the Ensign in 1972

Number 5 Guard is provided by Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards.

It had the honour of providing the Escort

The unmistakable quick march of the Scots Guards.

F Company is an incremental company of Scots Guards,

based in Wellington Barracks and they've been involved

in all the major ceremonial state occasions over the past year.

A word about the incremental notion, what does that mean? In the early

90s when the Berlin Wall went down there was a reduction in the size of

the army, so to ensure they could cover public or ceremonial duty,

they created three incremental companies out of the regiments that

had second battalions. They are on perfect ceremonial duty. But they

can swap the soldiers and officers around between the operational and

ceremonial patella -- battalions. MUSIC: The Bond of Friendship

composed by Rogan. The march past in

quick time is done. The Field Office in Brigade Waiting

rides out and salutes The Queen The Massed Bands play

the neutral quick march ? The Commanding Officer Lieutenant

Colonel James Thurstan has a moment to pause before the next

stage of the Parade. He's been sharing his thoughts

with us about the special honour that today represents for him

and his men. My message to the guardsmen

on the day would be to understand the great thing that they're part

of, and take the opportunity to really be proud of that

and show themselves off to, most importantly, Her Majesty, for

this her 90th birthday year. And I hope that as I move forward

to address Her Majesty and inform her that her guards

are ready to march off, she will be happy with it,

and hopefully even a smile. And we can head on back up The Mall

to Buckingham Palace so she can James Thurstan there. The big

challenge, he is not a natural horseman. That's what he said

earlier, but I can't possibly comment. I know James really well.

We served together, when I was commanding officer, he was a

principal officer of mine. We served together in Helmand Province ten

years later when he was a major commanding his soldiers in probably

one of the most dangerous parts of the world in Helmand Province,

clearly a far cry from what he's doing today. I would think you

probably finds it equally challenging. -- think he probably

finds it. Guards, in open order

left and right, dress. The pipe is always had a great sense

of excitement to the Birthday Parade.

We are greatly looking forward to the next phase of the Parade ?

with the thrilling sights of the Household Cavalry

and the King's Troop and the Mounted Band ?

The Massed Bands marching to one side. The Mounted Bands are

prepared. Both horses, Clydesdale crosses, and both carrying solid

Silver kettledrums. They wait in normal amounts, and they are big,

strong, enormous horses. They know this is their moment.

Here come the King's Troop. Having seen them get ready this morning I

really appreciate the horsemanship. The 19th year they have been on the

ceremony at Horse Guards. The first time on request of the Royal family

in 1998. Their duties include the firing of royal gun salutes on

anniversaries and state occasions. Yesterday they fired the gun is to

mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 95th birthday. The motto of the Royal

Artillery means everywhere. They marked their 300th anniversary at

Larkhill. As we mentioned earlier,

The Royal Artillery marked their 300th anniversary at Larkhill

where The King's Troop did a ride and drive past The Queen,

who is the Captain General The weight is specifically designed

to keep the weight of the loins of the horses. -- off the loins.

Major Robert Skeggs is in command of the King's Troop

He has served in Iraq and took command of the King's Troop

This will be his fifth Birthday Parade and his second

The Duke of Edinburgh was 95 yesterday. Making the salute

alongside Her Majesty. Acknowledging the lead gun.

The lead gun, prominently on display, is in effect the Colour

of the Troop, so it's accorded the same reverence

These 13 lb quick-fire guns entered service in 1904 and all six

on parade today were used in the Great War.

The Field Officer of the Sovereign's Escort

is Major Alex Owen of the Blues and Royals.

As field officer he commands the Household Cavalry troops on parade.

The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments,

The Blues and Royals and The Life Guards.

They are the two senior regiments of the British Army.

The Serrefile Captain is Major Ben Woolf of the Life

It's his job to control the speed during the rides

And at the rear, the Farriers, dressed in their dark blue tunics

They're the ones in times gone by who would despatch horses

The Field Officer's Trumpeter is Trooper Peter Chivers

His horse Otto is a grey, as in the past it helped

the trumpeters stand out on the battle field.

Peter, only 19, but recently got engaged to Chloe.

Peter's family has made the long trip from County Durham to London

The Household Cavalry break-in to trot now. That's quite difficult,

the horses have been sitting around, impatient. It's easier when they get

into it. I think Otto went off quicker than anticipated. These guns

are heavy, and the horses have to be strong. Most of all, the temperament

is important in the King's Troop. They have to be used to big bangs,

crowds, and they have to be fit, not get tired during this process. The

commanding officer, riding a real old pro, she has done the last six

Queen's Birthday Parades. In charge of the health of over 250 horses at

Hyde Park barracks. There is a high percentage of women

in the King's Troop. Many of the men and women on parade today have seen

act of service. They have served in operations in Afghanistan, and Iraq.

It almost makes the Parade Ground shudder when they come through in

trot. But very, very skilled horsemanship. Good riding. They ride

regularly. They joined because they want to work with horses and they

get that opportunity. There is a line of the masters of

the troop formed up of the Regimental Sergeant Major and the

instructor and the three masters. In trot the first and Second Divisions

of the Blues and Royals. That kit that they wear is incredibly heavy.

When you take into account everything that they're wearing, but

also carrying. Again, the horses have to be strong. There is not too

much wind today which helps. If the wind gets under their tails, it can

make them more excitable, but you just want a bit of a breeze to keep

the flies away. The last time that horses of the Household Cavalry were

used was in 1940, deployed to Palestine.

The band of the Household Cavalry saluting. They are crossing their

sticks as they pass the saluting base. Major Hallett joined 32 years

ago and composed two pieces. Among the musicians today is the

trombonist, Richard Jones, the magician who won this year's

Britain's Got Talent. So a rather different challenge for him today!

I think we've spotted Richard Jones. He is looking very solemn. Taking

his duty there in the massed band very seriously.

Musicians wearing the State Coat with its crim zopb velvet and gold

braid. The oldest ceremonial army. It unchanged since 1835.

So the band will come to a halt. The Director of Music will turn just

slightly, signalling that he is handing back control to the Field

Officer for the final Birthday Salute.

PLAYS NATIONAL ANTHEM

In close order, left and right, dress.

So the Guards Dress, this time, all the guards, in one long line

and it's remarkable to think, once again, that this precise move

is accomplished with no word of command being given.

At the halt, by divisions.

MUSIC: The Adjutant Composed by Drum Major Tom Birkett.

The guards are closing up ready for the procession along the Mall.

MUSIC: The Corps of Drums Play Prussia's Glory by Gottfried Piefke.

MUSIC: The Corps of Drums Play Prussia's Glory by Gottfried Piefke.

The Colour Sergeant Paul Martin, the Company Quartermaster Sergeant.

Making his way to the Approach Road as we approach the end of the parade

is Garrison Sergeant Major, London District, Warrant Officer

Class One, Andrew Stokes of the Coldstream Guards.

This is his first birthday parade in this very important role.

He joined the Army in 1988 and he has served around the world

in the meantime, including the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have to say he has impressed everyone with his

meticulous preparation for today's parade.

Greville some thoughts on the job he is doing? I know him well. He served

with me. I'm proud to say that I described he was the best sergeant

in the battalion. So I clearly had an eye for talent. But he made a

real impact since he arrived as garrison Sergeant Major. He is a

truly great man. Field Officer will ask Her Majesty's

permission to march off to conclude the Birthday Parade.

Your Majesty, this year on behalf of all ranks of the House Hold division

may I wish you and His Royal Highness the happiest of birthdays.

Your Royal Guards are ready to march off ma'am.

Not just asking permission to march off, but a birthday greeting on

behalf of all the ground troops for the Commanding Officer and for the

Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. So as the Commanding Officer takes

his position, first carriages are leaving Horse Guards for the return

to Buckingham Palace. The first carriage the Duchess of

Cornwall and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Mounted Bands

are making their way too. In the second carriage we have The Duke of

York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Lots

of people have been waiting patiently along the Mall for this

because they have taken position waiting for the fly-past which will

happen in around 45, 50 minutes time. This is their first proper

glimpse of the procession as it returns from the Birthday Parade.

They could hear the music and they have seen the King's Troop and now

they get the entertainment from The Mounted Bands as well.

So some rousing and energetic music, Mauritania. This is the moment,

Greville, where the Queen will be reflecting on what the parade has

been like. The Duke of Edinburgh no doubt has his views too. The Field

Officer, as we can see, joining this procession. And to what extent do

you think the verdict is clear at this point? I think Her Majesty will

have reached a pretty sound conclusion. I mean there have been a

few challenges along the way. The more eagle eye observers would have

spotted a few challenges and Her Majesty won't have missed them, you

know, we are all human and horses aren't human! But I think she is

going to have loved it. From my prospective, I thought it looked

terrific. Well, this tradition of the monarch

leading the Guards back to Buckingham Palace was established by

George V back in 1914. The Parade had become

increasingly popular so it was decided to provide an even

more impressive experience There are thousands here for this

90th Birthday Parade. The Prime Minister, David Cameron,

taking a break from the referendum campaigning. And there on his left,

we have Roy Blackbeard the High Commissioner for the Republic of

Botswana who is attending the parade today and Baroness Scotland there on

the left who is the first ever female Secretary-General of the

Commonwealth and a former Attorney-General. The Queen and the

Duke passing the Youth Enclosure and acknowledging the cheers and all the

support from the boys and the girls brigade and the Boy Scouts and Girl

Guides. As they prepare to leave the

approach and onto The Mall for that great procession back to Buckingham

Palace, everybody looking forward to the fly past when it happens.

We're staying on air here on BBC One to see the procession back

to Buckingham Palace ? and to see the 90th birthday fly-past

by the Royal Air Force, which the Queen and members

of the Royal Family will enjoy from the balcony

And I should also mention that if you want to get a very

different view of the Parade, you can see highlights

from the Major-General's Review in 360 degrees,

To get The Queen's eye view of proceedings go

to bbc.co.uk/trooping for a 360 degree experience of this

The Queen and Duke enjoying the day. Nice weather, enjoying the fact lots

of crowds out there today. A good moment, gravel, to underline the

very solid relationship between the Queen and the troops of the

Household Division. When I mentioned earlier that the Coldstream had

performed in 1650 and 1661, when we became loyal to the crown under King

Charles II, that's how far back it goes. The clue is in the title, we

are the Household Division, Her Majesty's on troops, the Monica's on

troops. That's borne out today when we get the opportunity to parade in

front of her. -- the monarch's on troops.

We haven't mentioned Lieutenant General Sir James Buckley and, the

kernel of the regiment. Today he will be carrying his grandfather's

sword, who carried the same sort in the battle of the Somme 100 years

ago. Indeed, he was shot in the hand when carrying it. Interestingly,

General James's son Humphrey is in number four guard, and his fourth

generation with his brother, who is also in need regiment.

They play an incredibly important role in looking after the regiments,

particularly the veterans and associations who form a huge part of

the regimental family. The Regimental Adjutant is the link

between the serving and retired. As we see the procession closing in on

Buckingham Palace at a gentle pace as they take in the crowds and view,

we can see some of the Street liners like the Irish Guards. We expect

them to have a more prominent role next year. Who knows. It's quite a

thought. If they do, we wish them well. Street lining, you are not

centrestage, and it's a long day for them. But they look absolutely

fantastic, doesn't it make you proud to be British? Absolutely fantastic.

So as we look forward to the events leading to the balcony appearance ?

and the birthday fly-past ? let me welcome the journalist,

author and commentator Robert Hardman ?

who writes for the Daily Mail.

Thank you for joining us, your thoughts on the parade today. It's

wonderful as ever. I'm struck by the size of the crowds, probably the

biggest we have seen on the Mall since the diamond jubilee four years

ago. Magnificent. The Queen is the really enjoying it. Many people will

have been struck by her wonderful outfit today. The palace are calling

it the vibrant green outfit. It's wonderful. The Queen has often said

herself, I have to be seen to be believed. And today, she has.

Vibrant is the right word. A very royal word. Let's underline the

significance of the events of the weekend. We were at the thanksgiving

service yesterday. Today is the official Birthday Parade. Tomorrow

will be slightly more informal at the patron's lunch. But today's

parading context. It's the great birthday tradition, the Trooping the

Colour. This is the fixture in the calendar, the birthday Honours list,

it comes with this. All over the world, British embassies and high

commissions are marking today as a national day. We do not have a

formal national day like some nations at over the world this will

be seen as that day. This is a day that underlines the crucial link

between the monarchy and the Armed Forces. That's the major point. It

forms a delightful contrast to yesterday, which was all about... It

had the solemnity in St Paul's Cathedral. It was a strong religious

occasion. Tomorrow will be a wonderfully informal and almost

carnival like atmosphere. We will have a parade coming up this

stretch. Today is the pomp and pageantry, all be great stuff. It

does make you proud to be British. It's what people expect. If you ask

anyone from around the world to define, what is Britain? This is

exactly what they had in mind. The Duke offering a running

commentary. He is loving this as well. He is still a general, and he

takes that role extremely seriously. At this point of the day of the

Birthday Parade, there is a real sense, that although the parade is

still in everyone's mind and people are proud of their part in it, you

can feel people relaxing a little. That moment where they are

approaching the events of the palace and the fly past. There is a sense

people can relax slightly and take things easy. We never relax, always

on duty and ready for action. We can't see him at the moment, but

when I was Ensign, he's at the front of the guards now, right at the

front of the guards behind the commanding officer's horse. I

remember that moment with Her Majesty -- just in front of me, it

was a magnificent moment. They will now be guarding Buckingham Palace

and Saint James's Palace. We had down towards the Queen Victoria

monument. We can see the balcony is ready for the fly past. The Royal

Standard flying proudly above the Palace.

We can see to the top right, the Ensign right at the front, that's

the moment I remember well. We mentioned the social media

exercise earlier. Welcome comments from all of the viewers, those

enjoying today's events. I will take a couple at this point as the Queen

and Duke of Edinburgh approach the Palace. Lewis Sanderson, thanks for

getting in touch. Lewis is keeping an eagle eye out for his uncle,

serving in the Coldstream Guards on parade today. We hope you have

spotted him along the way. Fiona Thomson, thanks for telling us you

are watching at home. First attended the parade that in 1983 at the age

of seven. Greville knows all about 1983, having been Ensign at that

point. Her father was in the Blues and Royals. A nice 1983 link for

you. I rather hope it was Fiona's favourite parade. Taking nothing

from today, obviously. Paul Davies, thank you for wishing good luck to

the Air Cadets flying with the RAF in the Queen's birthday fly-past. I

don't want to spoil as a prize, but I think you find it's more extensive

than any we have seen for many years. The fly-past will be very

impressive. Appropriately for the 90th Birthday Parade. Caroline,

thank you for telling us it's a proud day for you as your father

served at one time in the Coldstream Guards. You would hope given me very

strong Coldstream presents today, providing the as -- providing the

Escort, and Trooping the Colour. We hope you have enjoyed the day. This

is where we get a good sense of what Robert was saying a short time ago.

The Queen left the palace before the parade with the crowds building up,

but Robert was right, these crowds are much bigger than you would

normally expect. It underlines what this year is all about. A birthday

such as this is always going to bring extra crowds out. The weather

has obviously helped. I think there is a real sense that this has been

an historic year. It's the year Her Majesty has become the longest

reigning monarch in history and I think a lot of people want to come

and celebrate, not just her birthday, but the fact she has been

a remarkable figure, and for many this is the first opportunity to do

that, it's a weekend, it's sunny, and they know they will see the

Royal family from the balcony. It's a combination of all sorts of

things. We already have a balcony presents, there to greet the Queen

and Duke back to the Palace. Then they will all go inside, and

re-appear just before 1pm. It will be interesting to spot who is there

at that point, including young members of the balcony party. Then

we will have the fly itself. The Queen is back home. Buckingham

Palace. One of her homes! members of the Royal Family --

onto the famous balcony -- It's a very strong turnout. This is

the one day of the year when we traditionally see a lot of members

of the Royal family who we do not always easy. A lot of the younger

members, and for them it's a very big day. They have been in a

carriage procession, that's a big moment. You have cousins here who

are not normally part of the Royal pageant. But on this one day, they

are. For them, it's nice for the Queen to have the whole family here.

It underlines the sense that this isn't just a military parade, it's a

family birthday. We have the guards, many of them Coldstream Guards,

underlining once again the close relationship the Queen has with

service men and women, and has had throughout her reign. Plenty of

people wanting to enjoy the spectacle today. The relationship

between the Queen and Armed Forces has been a feature of the rain.

As Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service

in 1945, and members of her own family have gone

on to experience life in the Armed Services.

We've been looking back at the bond between

Wearing the gold grenade badge of the Grenadiers in her hat,

Princess Elizabeth makes her first military inspection.

And the final poseed picture, taken at the end of the review,

may be regarded as a record of the first official

occasion in the life of England's future Queen.

His Majesty was accompanied by Princess Elizabeth

for the birthday ceremony of Trooping the Colour.

Before the age-old Tower, the guns speak.

At Spithead, the Royal Yacht Britannia steamed proudly

The Ensign for the Queen's colour is Lieutenant Philip Whitehead.

May God bless her and all who sail in her.

I know I speak for all those who have the privilege

to wear your uniform and hold your commission

when I thank you for your dedication to our service and to our country.

Three cheers for Her Majesty The Queen!

Some rousing muse UK and just some images which enforce the very, very

solid bond between the monarch and the military over 64 years of the

Queen's reign. What is happening now at Buckingham Palace is that we have

a Changing of the Guard because as Greville mentioned earlier, today's

Escort, has some more work to do and they are going to be mounting guard

at Buckingham Palace. Robert Hardman is still with me. There has been a

change of the arrangements in recent years, hasn't there, Robert, because

the Queen in past years would have taken salute at this point, again,

but she has gone in now to join the rest of the Royal Family. And that's

the point at which traditionally, they exchange a view views about the

parade and how it has gone over a little drink! Yes, that's always the

first draft of the report and I'm sure she will have been very happy

with it, but as you said earlier, she would have spotted any slight

errors and if anything didn't go according to plan. There is in the

Chinese drawing room there, there is a plate covered in sandwiches,

people will be having a drink. There will be a lot of meeting up, seeing

cousins who they may have seen yesterday, but they haven't seen for

ages, and it is a family reunion right now. A word from Greville on

the Changing of the Guard and what that entails. Number 7 Company mount

guard. They go on duty and guard Buckingham Palace and St James's

Palace and Clarence House and this happens every day. They don't

necessarily change guard every day, some guards will do 24, 48 hours and

extend the period that they are on guard, but this is happening in

Windsor Castle and the Tower of London and at Buckingham Palace. As

we know, Christopher Robin went to see them changing guard at

Buckingham Palace and that's what is going on. The soldiers who have been

on guard will now be relieved by Number 7 Company.

So the Changing of the Guard is happening. We are waiting for the

Queen and members of the Royal Family to re-emerge.

Let's join Clare Balding who's with Captain James Harbord

Yes, James is not on parade this year, but he was last year, you were

a Field Officer of the escort. So you know what the men are thinking

and feeling? At the moment, aside from the feeling of pride, there is

a growing sensation of relief from a parade well done as they look

forward to getting back into camp and checking the horses over for any

injuries they might have picked up. Generally, speaking the horses seem

to enjoy it. They are very good at it? Many of the horses are

well-versed than some of the soldiers. A lot of soldiers today

would have been riding for the first time, having endured 16 weeks of the

riding training so the horses are old hands. And you will be involved

next year? Yes, I take over in August as the Life Guards squadron

leader and the role will entitle me to the Field Officer command of the

escort next year. If somebody said what is it like being part of the

Household Cavalry, what would you say? It is extraordinary and like no

other job. Enormous sense of pride at the ceremonial side, hard work,

it is early starts back in Windsor as well. Our soldiers rotates

through both sites, it is varied. You seem to have a special

relationship with Her Majesty the Queen? That's right, as soldiers in

London, we have our commitment at Horse Guards and we are involved in

escorting Her Majesty. Your day is not finished? No, I'm going on

parade at 4pm this afternoon. Thank you very much for talking to us and

giving us an insight as to what the Household Cavalry will be feeling

right now. They can let themselves relax. Job well done.

The Coldstream Guards served in every major conflict since 1650. A

few months ago, we grouped of today's Coldstreamers as they

visited France to visit the site where their processors showed

exceptional courage during the Battle of the Somme which started

100 years ago. Welcome to the Somme, where we will

start our study for the day. We're up on Bazentin

Ridge now, so I'm going to set the context and go back

to the 1st July and cover some of And then we'll look at two guards'

actions there, particularly the VC action of Colonel Campbell,

the CO of 3rd Battalion the It's important that the

soldiers of today learn about what happened,

so they can understand the stories behind

the battle honours that Specifically, for the regiment

in the First World War. There were 36 battle honours,

seven Victoria Crosses and one Being at the Somme means a great

deal to me because my great great uncle Jack, a chap called

Gerald Siordet, fought very close to where we are now and won a

Military Cross. Before the war, he was

at Oxford University and was a poet, and an

artist. So throughout his time in

the trenches, he sketched a lot of the scenes, many of which have been

passed down in the family. There's a great story,

one of his soldiers wrote that he was the coolest

officer in France. He described a situation

where the trench that he and my great great uncle were in was

being bombarded, and my uncle Jack was apparently standing

up, cool as you like, sketching his soldiers crouching

down because he thought So, you know, a pretty

cool customer. On the day he led his

platoon over the top, So he took command of the company,

continued with the attack, made it all the way to the enemy positions,

consolidated there and then So he successfully

and safely led his company back to their lines,

in the process getting injured. And he was awarded his

Military Cross for that What's fascinating with a lot

of these acts of bravery in the First World War, that it was just

ordinary people doing extraordinary He did it because it was his duty

and he thought that that was And I think that is

just something that is absolutely awe-inspiring to us,

you know, 100 years later. On 3rd June 1913,

the then Captain John Campbell DSO, a keen

huntsman, was presented a silver hunting horn by the men

of Number One Company, Unbeknown to anyone at the time,

the significance of that presentation would have

in the future battle. Morning of 15th September 1916,

where the first Guards They came under withering machine

gun fire down on the sunken road. Pinned down by that machine gun

fire, Colonel Campbell took his hunting horn, sounded

the warning to rally the men. A wounded guardsman a few days later

appeared in the press. "I was sheltering in a shell hole

and wondering where my mates were, and whether they had

gone any further or gone back when I heard

the Colonel's horn. It made me jump for joy,

and I never thought of sheltering Colonel Campbell's citation

that led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross

by His Majesty King The most conspicuous bravery,

and able leading in an attack, his personal gallantry

and initiative in a critical moment turned the fortunes

of the day, and enabled the division to press on and capture

objectives of the highest As infantry soldiers,

we are always looking for that bit of cover

that we can use to get Hearing the whistle,

and going over the top and walking towards the enemy is

unimaginable to us today. Well, look at that. That's quite a

sight, isn't it? The Mall is packed with people. Thronging around that

Queen Victoria Memorial and down to the Palace itself because they are

all looking forward to the balcony appearance which will take place in

a short while and of course, everyone then wanting to enjoy the

fly-past as it happens. So to wait for that and to maybe just underline

a couple of other extraordinary achievements along the way, I'm

delighted to say that I've got a special guest who is Paul Baines and

Greville is with me. You have a book, a very impressive book,

Greville is holding the book there. This is the link and I want you to

explain who Paul is in the context of the book. This is Warrant Officer

Paul Baines, you are not warn officer anymore. He left the Army a

few months ago and I will let Paul explain what he is up to. I believe

you are highly skilled, highly trained plumber is that right? , Not

quite, I'm doing an apprenticeship in plumbing in my hometown. Tell us

what your work on the book has been? It started as a recruitment tool,

that's all it was and to give us exposure, after I approached

Greville about the story, it grew into something quite book. If you

just pass the book over, I will pass it to viewers at home. It is

Coldstream Guards, ten years in Afghanistan. So basically, in lots

of images and stories, some of them pretty forceful in the way they're

told, you've related a decade of service in Afghanistan. What give

you the idea for the book? As I said, it was just, it was for

recruiting because a lot of my friends had not been recognised for

the actions they have done. I was lucky enough to be awarded a

Military Cross, but there were so many stories untold. Greville, you

had work to do in terms of allowing the book to proceed and your

thoughts about the notion of the book, why it might be attractive to

people, what were your thoughts at that point? Unusually, Paul has been

very modest. This was a brilliant concept that he and what he has been

here, he produced a coffee table book, but it is also represented by

42 stories, written by the people who served in Afghanistan. So the

cold streamers who served and Guardsmen through to Lieutenant

General Sir James Bucknall and Paul, it was Paul's idea, I think, he will

try and credit other people. He ambushed me. I was working newspaper

York at the time and asked me to meet him and we met in Costa Coffee

in Wetherby Services, do you remember? He presented me with lots

of pictures of me looking wary. He knew which boxes to tick. Happily

lots of those photos were included! So viewers can understand, what's

the most powerful story in the book? There is just so many. I only put in

two, my old Commanding Officer put in three. Two of my friends, two

each. There is just so many. I can't choose one. And the response so far

has been... It has been great. It has been great. The publicity we

have been getting. It has been great and it is still available for sale.

All funds are for regimental charity. Are you instrumental are

these books in recruiting? Very effective. It brings the battlefield

into people's homes and you'll see when you flick through it. We would

like to present you with this Huw. Thank you very much. You will see

the pictures and you will see the stories and they're real and they

are told in soldiers' language. Paul, thank you for joining us.

Greville, stay with us. The crowds are gathering on the Mall. As Robert

Hardman was telling us a short while ago, these are remarkable crowds and

we expected for the 90th birthday, the official birthday in June, on a

lovely, sunny day really. The sun is trying to come out. It is a warm

day. That there would be great crowds, but this underlines for you

what the extent of the activity is and what people's expectations are.

It is a good moment to hand to Clare to catch up with her.

The crowds this year are absolutely massive. I grabbed a super fan,

Linda from Manchester. What you are wearing, I know you are a patriot

enthusiast of the Royal family. It's wonderful to be here today. I've

never been to the Trooping of the Colour before. The atmosphere and

crowds are amazing. Why did you come this year? It's because it's the

Queen's 90th year, and I wanted to pay my respects and join in with

everyone else. I have met the Queen before in Salford at Media City it

was the Diamond Jubilee. I presented her with flowers. Did you say to

yourself then that you would make sure you were there for Trooping the

Colour? I said we would try to make it one year, and this year was

special so we decided to come down. I've enjoyed it, it's been

absolutely wonderful. Thank you for speaking to us. You are in a perfect

position to see the balcony as well. Enjoy that.

A sense of the enjoyment today. Let's have a look at Green Park.

That's one of the important elements of the official birthday. The King's

Troop ready to fire their salute in one of the royal Parks. It's one of

the traditions of the Queen's official birthday. We can stay with

these images for a moment. Always dramatic and enjoyed by people.

My next guest has come straight from Horse Guards

Here to tell us how he's taken inspiration from his grandmother's

dedication and commitment to her charities and patronages

for an exciting event tomorrow, is the Queen's eldest grandson

Welcome and thank you very much. Lots of tradition today and we are

enjoying these images now. The King's Troop preparing to fire their

salute. Tell us about the idea you had for the patrons' lunch tomorrow

and how it formed. The Queen has had many celebrations in her honour over

the years, but there has never really been an appreciation or

recognition of the number of organisations that she has

personally attached herself to through patron edge. We did some

research around it, and there are around 600 of them. They have never

been brought together and recognised as one entity, all joined together

under one patron. I really felt it was something that needed to be

rectified. You see the Queen out and about, and the majority of the time

she is representing a lot of these organisations that she is patron to.

It was an area of her service to not only this country, but the

Commonwealth, that I felt hadn't been truly celebrated. We came up

with the idea of doing a street party, then we were looking for a

venue. In research we found out the mall had never hosted a street

party, which fall the most famous streets in the world was unusual.

The pieces fell together, we looked for a time, and this weekend was

deemed the perfect time to do it. What about getting approval from the

main person? Fortunately we ran the idea passed a number of her staff

beforehand. And it wasn't until I saw her shortly after that that she

said, I hear you are up to something. I had to confess about

what we were looking to do. She thought it was a fantastic idea, to

be able to bring all these organisations together in one go.

Unlike a Royal warrant, where if you are a warrant holder, Nou Camp at

the coat of arms on your product, if you are a charity organisation of

which she is a patron, you don't have that recognition, that stamp.

-- you can put the coat of arms. It's good to give something back to

all those organisations who give them a platform to associate with

her. There we have the mall today, it will look rather different

tomorrow. You would have difficulty serving that many people. Give us a

sense of what tomorrow will look like. On that very street there will

be 10,000 people seated having a picnic. The tables will line both

sides of the street. Obviously the idea is that today is the pomp and

ceremony of the celebrations, and tomorrow is exactly as it's meant to

be, a street party, more relaxed and informal, a celebration part of the

weekend, a nice way to draw a line under the birthday celebrations this

year. There will be lots of colour and noise and movement. Hopefully it

will be a fantastic day. Normally, something like this on that scale,

it's a huge management job to put it all together. Management jobs

sometimes present challenges. What has been the main challenge with

this? If I'm honest, today. The trooping, we always knew we would

follow the trooping, but the logistical exercise of getting

everything we knew we needed in after the trooping has finished

today, has been a real challenge. But we have a fantastic team. We

have to get more than 160 vehicles in overnight to put out all the

tables and ensure everything is ready for when the doors open

tomorrow morning. That has been the largest challenge, the changeover

between today and tomorrow. But we have a fantastic team on this.

Everyone is ready to go. Good to talk to you, and thank you for

coming in, Peter Phillips. What a challenge to pull all that together

tomorrow. Good luck to them for that. Clare Balding is with one of

the volunteers of the Royal British Legion.

A volunteer for the Royal British Legion, one of the longest

associations with the Queen as patron. When did she become patron?

She became patron in 1952 after taking over patronage from her

father, King George V. -- King George VI. When did you get

involved? That was in 2007. That was Armed Forces Day. I saw a liaison

officer. I didn't know about anything be British Legion did. He

persuaded me to join as a volunteer. How have you found it, what have you

learned from it? It has been inspirational. It was a noble thing

to do. I'm in the military, I can serve my own people and I can't ask

for anything better than that. You will be at the patrons' lunch

tomorrow. What can we expect? There will be more than 65 members from

the Royal British Legion, and members from the Armed Forces and

over 100 other volunteers. It will be a learning experience, we will

learn from each other and use it as a learning curve. You can mix and

meet and chat with other charities and organisation of which the Queen

is patron. Yes, over 600 charities that the Queen is a patron of. It

would be nice to know what they do, so I can learn from them as well. I

will be looking out for you tomorrow. It will be an amazing day.

We are all looking rather nervously at the weather forecast, it is

getting better. Hopefully the rain doesn't come in the hours we need it

not to come. We can see the scenes in Green Park.

The impressive salute being fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse

Artillery as they do every year for the Queen's Birthday Parade. This

year, special interest given a 90th birthday, and there are very big

crowds in Green Park and St James's Park here, and as we look around on

the mall itself. Robert Hardman of the Daily Mail and Greville with me.