:00:00. > :00:07.Every year on a Saturday morning in June, the sovereign's official
:00:08. > :00:10.birthday is celebrated in great style with the ceremony
:00:11. > :00:18.This year, there's an added dimension, because this is the year
:00:19. > :00:24.And the honour of Trooping the Colour in 2016 falls
:00:25. > :01:04.So, stand by for a thrilling display at the Queen's Birthday Parade.
:01:05. > :01:10.Good evening from our studio in Saint James 's Park. On this
:01:11. > :01:16.exceptional weekend of celebration. Where we have enjoyed the pageantry
:01:17. > :01:20.of the Queen's Birthday Parade and Her Majesty's 90th birthday. Earlier
:01:21. > :01:24.this morning everything was set for the parade, the grand processional
:01:25. > :01:28.route which darts at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Standard flying to
:01:29. > :01:32.signal the Queens presence and leading to the vast expanse of Horse
:01:33. > :01:36.Guards Parade, the world-famous stage for the ceremony. Each year
:01:37. > :01:40.the sovereign's ceremony is honoured with the custom of Trooping the
:01:41. > :01:46.Colour and the honour this year fell to the Coldstream Guards. Clare
:01:47. > :01:56.Balding was at Wellington Barracks with the King's Troop Royal Horse
:01:57. > :02:00.Artillery. This is a crucial stage of preparation, attaching six horses
:02:01. > :02:04.to each gun. These act as the breaks, they are strong, chunky
:02:05. > :02:12.animals. Further forward they get slightly more refined. No rains or
:02:13. > :02:17.anything will get caught in that. It also makes them look sleek. It is
:02:18. > :02:21.brilliant in terms of their attitude, these forces that you can
:02:22. > :02:26.depend on. And you needed to because this is exactly how it would have
:02:27. > :02:32.been in the First World War. Six guns saw service in World War I, 13
:02:33. > :02:37.pounds. They have been polished to the nines. In perfect conditions. If
:02:38. > :02:41.I needed a mirror to check my make-up I could see my reflection
:02:42. > :02:51.here. They will perform a salute later. The King's Troop celebrated
:02:52. > :02:54.its 300 th anniversary. The Queen went to Larks Hill to see them and
:02:55. > :02:59.they will be doing their bit to mark the 90th birthday. Let's look at
:03:00. > :03:03.Horse Guards Parade, a period of relative calm right now before the
:03:04. > :03:05.ground is filled with marching and music. The hallmarks of the Birthday
:03:06. > :03:12.Parade. Some of the talented musicians
:03:13. > :03:14.of the Household Division We have the bands of the Welsh
:03:15. > :03:18.Guards and the Scots Guards. They are soon to be joined
:03:19. > :03:21.by their colleagues from the Irish, Our very own tradition on the day
:03:22. > :03:30.of the Birthday Parade is to invite a guest to join us with direct
:03:31. > :03:35.experience of the parade. This year I'm pleased to welcome
:03:36. > :03:37.Brigadier Greville Bibby, who retired last year after 34 years
:03:38. > :03:39.in the army. He is ? among many other
:03:40. > :03:42.distinctions ? a former commanding officer of the 1st
:03:43. > :03:43.Battalion Coldstream Guards. A warm welcome, great
:03:44. > :03:47.to have you with us today. Delighted to be here,
:03:48. > :03:49.one of my favourite days of the On The Mall, proudly making
:03:50. > :03:58.their way from Wellington Barracks, this year's escort ? provided this
:03:59. > :04:00.year by No 7 Company, Coldstream Guards, the oldest
:04:01. > :04:02.regiment in continuous service in the British Army,
:04:03. > :04:05.and one of seven regiments forming They are very much Her
:04:06. > :04:17.Majesty's personal troops. Just a time to say something
:04:18. > :04:19.about the transition between operational duty
:04:20. > :04:21.and ceremonial duty. 2012 was the last time the battalion
:04:22. > :04:27.was on They have been on operations
:04:28. > :04:34.for the last four years, going to Afghanistan, Romania twice
:04:35. > :04:41.on exercise, Kenya, Belize. It's only in the last few months
:04:42. > :05:07.that they have rerolled Today they are lining under the
:05:08. > :05:11.command of Alex Turner, he was commended for his service in
:05:12. > :05:14.Afghanistan. They are lining the streets conscientiously today. The
:05:15. > :05:22.Escort is making its way to the parade ground.
:05:23. > :05:24.It's worth underlining that many of its members are new recruits.
:05:25. > :05:27.It really is a high-profile way to start life in the regiment.
:05:28. > :05:30.We joined them a few months ago as they arrived
:05:31. > :05:33.at Wellington Barracks for the start of their time in No 7 Company.
:05:34. > :05:36.The Guardsmen that have just arrived have just finished their phase two
:05:37. > :05:38.training in Catterick and today we'll get them kitted out
:05:39. > :05:42.I'm the senior master tailor for London district,
:05:43. > :05:48.so I'm the guy who measures them up for their tunic,
:05:49. > :05:51.their tweeds and their greycoat and then we'll send them off
:05:52. > :05:54.to the storeman to get them into the sizes that I've
:05:55. > :05:57.This'll probably last him for about a season.
:05:58. > :05:59.We change into the greycoat in October and by
:06:00. > :06:03.for tunics, this probably won't fit him and they would have
:06:04. > :06:05.all changed body shape because they're all young lads.
:06:06. > :06:08.So, this is probably the only season he'll have with this tunic.
:06:09. > :06:22.Then I went through the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
:06:23. > :06:25.It is tough but it builds you up to be the best,
:06:26. > :06:30.especially joining the Coldstream Guards.
:06:31. > :06:40.I've looked through them all and I can't seem to find
:06:41. > :06:47.Nothing really fits my head at the moment.
:06:48. > :06:50.Not too tight? No.
:06:51. > :06:52.It's important that it's not too tight because otherwise we'll be
:06:53. > :07:01.As you see here, it's looking a bit like ragtails because it's
:07:02. > :07:08.So, get into the shower, wash it like you would your hair.
:07:09. > :07:11.Wash some mild shampoo into it, which gives it a real clean
:07:12. > :07:15.I feel happy now. Now I've got one, finally.
:07:16. > :07:23.We're down at Pirbright to continue another day's troop training.
:07:24. > :07:26.Given that the Sergeant Major's here today, he'll be making sure
:07:27. > :07:29.that we've got our column distance between guards correct and we're
:07:30. > :07:35.There are five members of the escort that are still under 18.
:07:36. > :07:42.That's why it's on the back of your head.
:07:43. > :07:44.Coming straight from school was a bit of a shock.
:07:45. > :07:50.Training was definitely the hardest thing I've done.
:07:51. > :07:54.The hardest thing to master is probably the forms
:07:55. > :08:03.People are pushing down, pushing on you and people
:08:04. > :08:06.get popped out of line, which knocks the whole line out.
:08:07. > :08:09.And also if you go past the saluting line, Her Majesty
:08:10. > :08:13.Because I'm the far left marker, I'm marking time for absolutely ages.
:08:14. > :08:15.I'm standing on the front row, front left, so it's
:08:16. > :08:19.It's my job to make sure that they're picking up on all the finest
:08:20. > :08:22.of details so that by the time of the parade, there'll
:08:23. > :08:27.Trooping the Colour is probably the toughest thing I've done so far.
:08:28. > :08:30.Getting things right without being pointed out
:08:31. > :08:38.I don't think there's going to be many more monarchs that
:08:39. > :08:41.have a 90th Birthday Parade, so you've got grab it and it'll be
:08:42. > :08:51.So, a memorable few months for those new recruits.
:08:52. > :08:53.Some of them, including Guardsmen Orton, Brayley
:08:54. > :08:55.and Cunningham, have earned a place in today's Escort,
:08:56. > :08:58.taking centre stage today, as they prepare to face the crowds
:08:59. > :09:05.and march smartly onto the Parade Ground.
:09:06. > :09:10.They will do that in a few seconds time.
:09:11. > :09:13.And marching with the Escort is Number 2 Guard, found
:09:14. > :09:22.by Number 2 Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
:09:23. > :09:24.Now one of the prime features of this parade
:09:25. > :09:26.is precision and exemplary collaboration.
:09:27. > :09:27.It's the kind of teamwork that becomes
:09:28. > :09:31.possible when everyone is determined to work together.
:09:32. > :09:34.Ask anyone who is involved and they will tell you it is one
:09:35. > :09:43.And the regiment's photo album was updated very recently.
:09:44. > :09:45.We decided that this year, as we have a number
:09:46. > :09:47.of key personalities who are Coldstream Guards on this
:09:48. > :09:50.year's Queen's Birthday Parade, that we'd set up and take
:09:51. > :09:55.I joined the Army in 1996 and was commissioned
:09:56. > :10:05.I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1988, so about 28 years ago.
:10:06. > :10:08.I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1994, so I'm now in my
:10:09. > :10:15.I joined the Coldstream Guards in 1993 and I'd always
:10:16. > :10:19.I joined the Army in 2007 and passed up from Sandhurst in 2008,
:10:20. > :10:25.commissioning into the Coldstream Guards.
:10:26. > :10:27.I joined the Coldstream Guards in August last year
:10:28. > :10:33.We're a very special Regiment with a long and deep
:10:34. > :10:37.There is a great and very powerful feeling of family
:10:38. > :10:40.There's a phrase we have in the division, if you cut
:10:41. > :10:42.someone they'll bleed blue, red, blue, which are our
:10:43. > :10:49.I've known a lot of them in battle situations as well as clearly
:10:50. > :11:02.Many of us have served together on operations in Iraq,
:11:03. > :11:04.Afghanistan and further back in Northern Ireland.
:11:05. > :11:05.We're primarily front-line infantry troops.
:11:06. > :11:08.When you're on tour, you're living in each other's pockets.
:11:09. > :11:10.You get to know your comrades extremely well.
:11:11. > :11:12.There's lots of humour and lots of banter that goes on,
:11:13. > :11:20.Of course, if you get into contact and the adrenaline starts flowing,
:11:21. > :11:23.you know you can rely on the person left and right and you know
:11:24. > :11:25.that the person next you would probably give
:11:26. > :11:32.What makes the Coldstream special is just how
:11:33. > :11:43.Today is sort of a family day and the idea is to get the soldiers
:11:44. > :11:45.and their families to come so they get to see more
:11:46. > :11:48.about what we do, they get to ask questions and it's an opportunity
:11:49. > :11:59.They are desperate to get me to take them shooting at the wall.
:12:00. > :12:02.This year we've kind of got the past, present and future
:12:03. > :12:06.So, we have a number of recruits from Caterrick who are in various
:12:07. > :12:14.We've got past members who've formed th evarious associations around
:12:15. > :12:16.the country and also the serving members of the battalion,
:12:17. > :12:23.so the three generations of Coldstream Guards are here today.
:12:24. > :12:26.Just a step slightly over towards Senior John Major, please.
:12:27. > :12:29.As the Regiment historians of the future look back on these
:12:30. > :12:35.days, hopefully they'll have an understanding of some
:12:36. > :12:38.of the people that served in the Regiment in our time,
:12:39. > :12:40.so that those who are serving in the future can look back
:12:41. > :12:43.and learn and ensure they understand what makes this Regiment proud
:12:44. > :12:51.and some of the history that goes before them.
:12:52. > :12:55.The photograph will be hanging in the respective officers'
:12:56. > :12:58.and sergeants' mess and then quite possibly a copy to Her Majesty
:12:59. > :13:00.as a birthday present from the Coldstream Guards
:13:01. > :13:10.Here he is - the man who will be Field Officer in Brigade Waiting.
:13:11. > :13:26.There have been late changes to the order of things. This is a late
:13:27. > :13:29.draft? Yes, unfortunately the horse
:13:30. > :13:33.I was due to ride two weeks ago went lame and I rode Grey Falcon for
:13:34. > :13:37.the first time and he is the super sub today and I'm sure
:13:38. > :13:39.he will deliver the How much do you worry about your
:13:40. > :13:44.riding or is it about commends and what's going
:13:45. > :13:48.on the parade square? I would be lying if I said I didn't
:13:49. > :13:54.worry a little bit about my riding. I try to remain calm and not
:13:55. > :13:58.transmit any nerves to the horse of the Household Cavalry
:13:59. > :13:59.really looked after me There has been a lot of teamwork
:14:00. > :14:06.across the Household division. Fingers crossed. I'm confident for
:14:07. > :14:08.today. If I asked you whether you're
:14:09. > :14:11.looking forward to, what's I am looking forward to,
:14:12. > :14:14.it is nervous anticipation. It is an honour and the boys
:14:15. > :14:17.and girls are all really looking forward to
:14:18. > :14:20.the parade today and I hope we can OK, well I hope you put your
:14:21. > :14:24.best foot forward and He is allowed a little bit of nerves
:14:25. > :14:38.of course. We will be talking more
:14:39. > :14:40.about the Commanding Officer later. The Colour Party is in place
:14:41. > :14:48.and it's the Colour of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards that's
:14:49. > :14:51.being trooped today. The colour carries 44 of
:14:52. > :14:53.the regiment's 113 battle honours - the oldest being Tangier in 1680,
:14:54. > :14:56.and the most recent being So it's a notable honour
:14:57. > :15:08.for the members of the Colour Party. The Sergeant of the Escort
:15:09. > :15:11.is Sergeant Sam McAuley, it's his fifth birthday parade,
:15:12. > :15:13.and he's marched with He's flanked by the two
:15:14. > :15:17.Sentries to the Colour. Guardsman Mark Bazeley,
:15:18. > :15:18.the Right Sentry. And Guardsman Jack Bazeley,
:15:19. > :15:22.the Left Sentry. Yes, they look identical
:15:23. > :15:28.in their uniform, We think this is the first
:15:29. > :15:35.for the Colour Party at the Their parents and younger brother
:15:36. > :15:38.are in the stands today. Clare has been talking
:15:39. > :15:41.to their proud mum. I was up at 4.30am organising
:15:42. > :15:48.everything and making sure we got everything, tickets, all the clothes
:15:49. > :15:53.ready, dogs organised. What was your reaction
:15:54. > :15:57.when the boys rang you to tell you they were both going to be
:15:58. > :16:00.in the Colour Party? Initially shock, very
:16:01. > :16:06.proud of them obviously. So for them to be doing this
:16:07. > :16:09.initially in their first year is How old were they when
:16:10. > :16:14.they decided they They were, you know,
:16:15. > :16:21.a few dead end jobs and didn't really know
:16:22. > :16:24.what they wanted to do and they came home
:16:25. > :16:27.from town one day and, I don't think I spoke to them
:16:28. > :16:33.for three or four days and I was in denial, but here we are today
:16:34. > :16:36.and I couldn't be prouder. Having seen the effect it has had
:16:37. > :16:39.on them, would you They are very
:16:40. > :16:42.independent people now. Very tidy, very tidy,
:16:43. > :16:46.when they come home, leave the Yeah, they're very
:16:47. > :16:49.proud, very, very proud of what they're doing
:16:50. > :16:51.and everything. They are identical twins
:16:52. > :16:53.and they will be You know which side they will be on,
:16:54. > :16:58.can you tell them apart? If they were standing
:16:59. > :17:10.here, you would know by their personalities,
:17:11. > :17:12.their personalities are different. There are a few different features,
:17:13. > :17:13.very Well, they have done you proud
:17:14. > :17:36.and wish them well today. At Buckingham Palace,
:17:37. > :17:39.the first carriage procession We have the first carriage
:17:40. > :18:23.procession. We have Prince Harry
:18:24. > :18:25.and the Duchess of Cornwall, They were at the Service of
:18:26. > :18:28.Thanksgiving at We have The Duke of York
:18:29. > :18:39.and his two daughters. And then in the third
:18:40. > :18:43.carriage, we have the At the Canada Gate, facing
:18:44. > :18:58.the Palace, a very big knows is a very special
:18:59. > :19:03.Birthday Parade to mark the Queen's Having celebrated her fifth wedding
:19:04. > :19:22.anniversary earlier this year and Prince Harry, who has been very busy
:19:23. > :19:24.this year with They took place in
:19:25. > :19:27.Florida back in May. Took a lot of work and
:19:28. > :19:30.a lot of preparation. Over 110 athletes from the UK
:19:31. > :19:34.competed The Royal Salute is sounded
:19:35. > :20:33.by Trooper Peter Chivers of the Blues and Royals ?
:20:34. > :20:35.the Field Officer's trumpeter Also in the procession
:20:36. > :21:04.are the three Royal Colonels. The Duke of Cambridge,
:21:05. > :21:09.in his sixth year riding as Colonel The Prince of Wales, riding
:21:10. > :21:15.as Colonel of the Welsh Guards ? a role he has fulfilled
:21:16. > :21:22.for the past 41 years. The Princess Royal, Colonel
:21:23. > :22:03.of The Blues and Royals ? a position They turned the corner into the
:22:04. > :22:04.approach road. It means the first carriage is almost at the parade
:22:05. > :22:18.ground. As the first carriage is approached
:22:19. > :22:21.the parade ground, we will see that the guards' formation has changed.
:22:22. > :22:27.Number three guard has opened up to make way for the first royal guests.
:22:28. > :22:32.As they passed on to the parade ground, the band will play the
:22:33. > :23:03.national anthem. Just to mark the arrival of the first guests today.
:23:04. > :23:26.One of the best sites of the day, the sovereign's escort. Leading the
:23:27. > :23:28.procession on The Mall is the Brigade Major. A lot of
:23:29. > :23:37.responsibility on his shoulders today.
:23:38. > :23:40.Leading the procession along The Mall is the Brigade Major ?
:23:41. > :23:42.Lieutenant Colonel David Hannah of the Irish Guards.
:23:43. > :23:46.It's his first parade in this role, and to think that as a 9 year-old
:23:47. > :23:49.he visited Waterloo with his father, and that's what inspired him
:23:50. > :23:53.Vixen is the charger I have been given for the Birthday Parade,
:23:54. > :23:55.and indeed the various parades beforehand which serve
:23:56. > :24:00.It's my first as Brigade Major, but I have been on parade
:24:01. > :24:05.I have the task of leading the royal procession on to the parade,
:24:06. > :24:07.and then around the parade during the inspection phase.
:24:08. > :24:11.Much of my work has to be done well before the parade,
:24:12. > :24:12.in terms of the planning, preparation, coordination
:24:13. > :24:15.and helping to stitch it all together into what I hope
:24:16. > :24:41.will be a memorable and successful Birthday Parade.
:24:42. > :24:48.The Duke of Edinburgh, in the uniform of a colonel. He became the
:24:49. > :25:12.kernel of the Grenadier Guards in 1975.
:25:13. > :25:24.Signalling their arrival at the parade ground. We can hear lots of
:25:25. > :25:32.energetic shouting and cries of support and flag waving in the youth
:25:33. > :25:37.enclosure. Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade represented, then a contrast
:25:38. > :25:42.in terms of age. We have the very dignified site of the Chelsea
:25:43. > :25:54.Pensioners armour around a dozen of them today. Led by Rupert Lucas
:25:55. > :26:01.captain. Their combine and age is 785, it is great to see them. As the
:26:02. > :26:05.Queen arrives to enjoy this tradition, this summer tradition of
:26:06. > :26:14.the official birthday, firmly established by Edward VII. Her
:26:15. > :26:21.Majesty's carriage turning onto the parade ground. Head coachman Jack
:26:22. > :26:38.Hargreaves getting ready to salute the collar in his unique way with
:26:39. > :26:43.his whip. -- salute the Colour. Very experienced head coachman has
:26:44. > :26:50.saluted the Colour. This is the formal start of Trooping the Colour
:26:51. > :27:31.2016. The Queen's first task
:27:32. > :28:16.is to inspect the line of guards. It is also an opportunity
:28:17. > :28:18.for the Massed Bands The man in charge, Senior Director
:28:19. > :28:28.of Music, this is his Music is the Banks
:28:29. > :28:35.of the Green Willow. MUSIC: The Banks of the Green
:28:36. > :29:54.Willow. The music changes to
:29:55. > :29:56.Northumbrian Airs, a favourite of No Chief of all 7 regiments
:29:57. > :30:08.of the Household Today she's wearing the brooch
:30:09. > :30:12.of the Brigade of Guards in Uno, five joined in one featuring
:30:13. > :30:23.the badges of the five The procession passes
:30:24. > :30:25.the Sovereign's Standard The Household Cavalry is the only
:30:26. > :30:31.regiments allowed to present a Sovereign's Standard
:30:32. > :30:35.on today's parade. Inscribed on the Standard
:30:36. > :30:37.are the regiment's Battle Honours The Standard is lowered
:30:38. > :30:57.by the Standard Bearer, Squadron Corporal Major George
:30:58. > :31:13.Sampson of the Blues and Royals. Today is the last parade
:31:14. > :31:16.for Major General Ed Smyth-Osbourne, the officer commanding
:31:17. > :31:20.the entire Household Divison. He's riding Jutland,
:31:21. > :31:22.named after the First World War battle, the 100th anniversary
:31:23. > :31:52.was commemorated last week Very soon it will be
:31:53. > :31:55.turn of the Massed Bands of the Household Division
:31:56. > :31:57.to introduce the next phase of the parade and the musicians
:31:58. > :31:59.will be following the steps of the Senior Drum Major,
:32:00. > :32:01.Scott Fitzgerald of his third year in
:32:02. > :32:04.this important role. The mace these days is used
:32:05. > :32:07.for drill movements. I would signal a spin-wheel
:32:08. > :32:09.with the mace, mark time, halt, Historically, it was used
:32:10. > :32:12.to clear the streets. When the drums and flutes
:32:13. > :32:15.were going through the streets, the drum major would clear
:32:16. > :32:18.the population out the way. Nowadays it holds all
:32:19. > :32:20.the regimental battle honours. I really hope Her Majesty enjoys
:32:21. > :32:23.the music for the Quick Troop. It's a special arrangement
:32:24. > :32:25.of Happy Birthday, so hopefully she will be tapping her foot
:32:26. > :32:30.and hopefully she'll pick out the Happy Birthday
:32:31. > :32:32.within the arrangement Colour Sergeant Hancock
:32:33. > :35:06.will be giving a signal. There it is. It is his final parade
:35:07. > :36:33.after 30 years of service. The quick march is Royal Birthday
:36:34. > :36:49.composed by Major Alf Young. Listen carefully for
:36:50. > :37:04.the Happy Birthday theme! There we see the lone drummer,
:37:05. > :37:07.Drummer Jason Pitman. He is acknowledged to be the best
:37:08. > :37:15.drummer in the division. Marching to the right of the Escort,
:37:16. > :37:18.ready for the next phase of the parade.
:37:19. > :37:20.He is carrying a Coldstream bugle used in
:37:21. > :37:23.the First World War by Drummer Aitken whose descendants are
:37:24. > :37:27.Yes, this is a lovely moment for this young
:37:28. > :37:40.Jason played the drums as a boy and he is what we call the lead
:37:41. > :37:42.tip, the best drummer and he is the silver bugle,
:37:43. > :37:44.which is the best bugler in the battalion.
:37:45. > :39:17.The drummer plays eight bars of a field signal.
:39:18. > :39:26.Orderly Guardsmen Mark Preston comes forward to take the
:39:27. > :39:51.The subaltern of the Escort, Captain Freddie Russell,
:39:52. > :39:54.gives the order for the Escort to take up their dressing in close
:39:55. > :39:56.order ? a tighter formation for the march forward
:39:57. > :40:36.The Escort steps off with great energy and purpose to the rousing
:40:37. > :40:40.march of the British Grenadiers, on their way to escort the Colour,
:40:41. > :40:42.showing the results of weeks of hard work.
:40:43. > :40:57.The Sergeant Major will come forward in a minute.
:40:58. > :41:00.This is the moment they have trained for for the last six months,
:41:01. > :41:04.They are centre stage, nowhere to hide, and
:41:05. > :41:10.everybody will be giving 100%, desperate for it to go well.
:41:11. > :41:14.there will be checking their dressing and drill.
:41:15. > :41:19.It's a matter of impressing all the people watching,
:41:20. > :41:24.but a lot of expert eyes watching, and one
:41:25. > :41:32.She will know whether it is good or not.
:41:33. > :41:39.I'm really proud watching this, they look fabulous.
:41:40. > :41:44.They will halt 16 paces in front of the Colour,
:41:45. > :41:53.ready for the collection to take place.
:41:54. > :42:45.He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A career that started in 1993. He is
:42:46. > :42:53.ready to hand the Colour over to the Ensign.
:42:54. > :44:06.The transfer is made. He places it securely.
:44:07. > :44:42.So we enter the central phase of this Birthday Parade
:44:43. > :44:44.as the Escort prepares to troop the Colour through the ranks,
:44:45. > :44:50.It's no longer the Escort for the Colour.
:44:51. > :45:19.The Escort advances in slow time, to the tune Escort to the Colour,
:45:20. > :45:22.which has been played at this point in the Parade since 1978,
:45:23. > :45:24.and very soon the bands will have to negotiate
:45:25. > :45:33.It's the military equivalent of a 3-point turn and it's
:45:34. > :45:43.200 musicians, supported by 40 members of the corps of drums
:45:44. > :45:44.and pipers, having to change direction without
:45:45. > :45:49.And to put it mildly, it's a challenge.
:45:50. > :45:51.It's always intrigued me, I've never understood how
:45:52. > :45:57.I had the privilege of watching the Massed Bands rehearse
:45:58. > :46:04.I was told that the instructions are not
:46:05. > :46:09.I think the mystique is part of the thrill, but
:46:10. > :46:12.they successfully achieve it every year.
:46:13. > :46:17.The garrison Sergeant Major, the senior band major and senior
:46:18. > :46:24.drum major are all Coldstream Guards.
:46:25. > :46:34.I think that is probably another first.
:46:35. > :46:56.The music changes to the familiar Grenadiers Slow March,
:46:57. > :46:59.arranged by Fred Harris, as the Escort prepares
:47:00. > :47:03.to Troop the Colour through the ranks.
:47:04. > :47:08.We approach a deeply symbolic part of this
:47:09. > :47:21.It's the spiritual heart of the parade.
:47:22. > :47:23.All the Coldstreamers past and present watching will be feeling
:47:24. > :47:31.The significance is that before the days of radio and modern
:47:32. > :47:34.communications, the only way soldiers on a battlefield knew where
:47:35. > :47:36.they needed to be was the following of the Colour.
:47:37. > :47:43.So many soldiers were killed every day, the new recruits were
:47:44. > :47:45.shown the Colour every morning so they knew
:47:46. > :47:53.exactly which their Colour was and where their rally was.
:47:54. > :47:56.It is such a big moment for the Ensign, 2nd
:47:57. > :47:58.Lieutenant James Potter, who's 25 and from Salisbury, joined
:47:59. > :48:01.the Army less than two years ago, and was commissioned
:48:02. > :48:08.He's been telling us about the honour of being chosen.
:48:09. > :48:11.When I heard I was Ensign, I was obviously ecstatic.
:48:12. > :48:19.Quartermaster Sergeant, he produced a heavier practice colour.
:48:20. > :48:23.So when I'm flourishing, I can get used to the actual feel of it.
:48:24. > :48:25.To prepare, I think lots of it is just conditioning,
:48:26. > :48:28.so definitely some extra time in the gym, working on the shoulders
:48:29. > :48:31.to try and make sure they are up to the task on the day.
:48:32. > :48:34.I do love being the centre of attention, I must admit.
:48:35. > :48:37.And going over to collect the Colour in the middle of the parade,
:48:38. > :48:40.I know that there is a slight pause and that's the moment
:48:41. > :48:42.everyone's just watching me when everyone else is stood still.
:48:43. > :48:45.So it's a good moment and I'm very much looking
:48:46. > :48:55.Greville, you have been there, what are your thoughts?
:48:56. > :49:09.I know it was 33 years ago, but I remember it so well.
:49:10. > :49:11.This will possibly always be the biggest day
:49:12. > :50:37.This is an opportunity for them to show off
:50:38. > :50:47.We have the Corp of Drums led by Drum
:50:48. > :50:50.Major Maurice Brown and we have got the Drums and Pipes,
:50:51. > :50:57.They've got a lot of medals between them.
:50:58. > :51:00.And it is just amazing how they can be soldiers and
:51:01. > :51:14.MUSIC: Hazelmere composed by Drum Major Tom Birkett.
:51:15. > :51:55.So the trooping phase is complete and the march
:51:56. > :51:58.The neutral slow march is Old Coldstream Marches,
:51:59. > :52:01.arranged by Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Sharpe,
:52:02. > :52:06.for the Coldstream Guards in the 1960s and 1970s.
:52:07. > :52:35.It has been used on numerous Birthday Parades.
:52:36. > :52:47.People watching from the good vantage point of
:52:48. > :53:01.Lady Louise and her father, the Earl of Wessex.
:53:02. > :53:03.It's the perfect moment in the Parade to appreciate
:53:04. > :53:05.the quality of teamwork and collaboration that's
:53:06. > :53:11.vital on parade but also on the battlefield.
:53:12. > :53:13.I have to say at this stage other parts of
:53:14. > :53:14.the Army tend to take the
:53:15. > :53:18.mick out of the Household Division for our ceremonial role.
:53:19. > :53:20.But it is not easy, and to get everything right
:53:21. > :53:27.relies on an extraordinary level of teamwork.
:53:28. > :53:31.We might see a bit of it now, the Guardsmen in the middle of
:53:32. > :53:34.the ranks, keeping the officer in line, the ranks working really
:53:35. > :53:36.hard to try and keep a straight line, which they
:53:37. > :53:40.We have the Company Sergeant Major who will tell the officer when
:53:41. > :53:45.he is ready to do a left turn and, "Right, sir."
:53:46. > :53:50.Here he goes, yeah, teamwork, all the way throughout the
:53:51. > :53:51.parade and clearly, directly transferable on to
:53:52. > :53:55.What does it take to get to this level of performance?
:53:56. > :54:02.I think it is a combination clearly of practise,
:54:03. > :54:06.Confidence in your own skills and ability to do it and
:54:07. > :54:09.these guys work together on a daily basis and they know the whole Army
:54:10. > :54:21.A big lesson in life for me and that's what it is about.
:54:22. > :54:39.It is about the teamworking and nailing it together.
:54:40. > :54:41.The Escort moves off, led by the Field Officer
:54:42. > :54:43.in Brigade Waiting, Lieutenant Colonel James Thurstan
:54:44. > :55:00.The Coldstream Guards Trooped their Colour for Her Majesty
:55:01. > :55:03.the Queen for the first time 62 years ago in 1954 and today marks
:55:04. > :55:14.the 16th occasion they have been granted this honour.
:55:15. > :55:38.The Ensign raises the Standard known as the Recover
:55:39. > :57:55.We have the Slow March of the Scots Guards Figaro for the F Company
:57:56. > :58:08.The Adjutant of the Parade is Captain Olly Morley
:58:09. > :58:09.of the Coldstream Guards, originally from Oxford,
:58:10. > :58:12.commissioned from Sandhurst seven years ago and has served twice
:58:13. > :58:20.in Afghanistan and is a former assistant equerry to The Queen.
:58:21. > :58:24.The music changes to Long Live Elizabeth.
:58:25. > :58:28.The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting,
:58:29. > :58:30.Lieutenant Colonel James Thurstan rides out to salute
:58:31. > :58:42.the Queen, now that the slow march is complete.
:58:43. > :58:44.All around the stands, family members, including
:58:45. > :58:48.A proud day with them with Second Lieutenant
:58:49. > :58:50.James Potter closen as the Ensign, and Clare has been speaking to
:58:51. > :59:02.We are very, very excited about the whole thing.
:59:03. > :59:11.When James rang us and said that he was
:59:12. > :59:14.going to be doing this, I think the three of us...
:59:15. > :59:15.whoop, whoop, it was just so wonderful.
:59:16. > :59:18.Justin, I know there is a fair bit of military
:59:19. > :59:21.Did you expect James to go and follow various footsteps?
:59:22. > :59:25.Although he is the fourth generation and we have a
:59:26. > :59:27.large family sort of history as you say, it wasn't
:59:28. > :59:31.until the second year at university that he expressed an
:59:32. > :59:35.interest, but he has always made up his own mind, but once he made up
:59:36. > :59:51.his mind to do it, that's what he wanted to do.
:59:52. > :59:53.The importance of the support of family and friends and today's
:59:54. > :59:56.parade is a constant reminder of that, Greville.
:59:57. > :59:58.I can safely speak for every soldier, sailor and airman
:59:59. > :00:01.when I say support from our family and friends is the single most
:00:02. > :00:04.important thing for us when we're deployed on operations.
:00:05. > :00:13.I will never forget the time when my wife who is
:00:14. > :00:15.a serving soldier, went to Gulf War I.
:00:16. > :00:26.That sense of being left behind is agony.
:00:27. > :00:29.At this point, I would like to spare at the thought for those families
:00:30. > :00:32.and friends living with the consequences of a loved one
:00:33. > :00:33.being killed or injured and I mean it,
:00:34. > :00:36.Huw, when I say, it is those families and friends that deserve
:00:37. > :00:45.The neutral quick march is Great Little Army,
:00:46. > :00:47.composed by Kenneth J Alford, considered to be one of the finest
:00:48. > :00:51.The change of tempo is led by Lance Sergeant Neil Brocklehurst
:00:52. > :00:57.of the Scots Guards, the Senior Time Beater.
:00:58. > :01:00.A good moment to reflect on the style of the parade so far.
:01:01. > :01:04.There might be other opinions in the
:01:05. > :01:10.Major-General's office, but let's hear yours, Greville.
:01:11. > :01:12.I think we are witnessing a fantastic parade.
:01:13. > :01:20.The Massed Bands, the core of drums, as ever
:01:21. > :01:31.The line I was talking about at the Arms Jill has
:01:32. > :02:20.No 2 Guard is found by 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
:02:21. > :02:23.The Captain of No 2 Guard is Major Oliver Biggs,
:02:24. > :02:25.whose father Andrew was the Ensign in 1972
:02:26. > :03:06.The Grenadier Guards quick march. They have the honour of providing
:03:07. > :03:12.the Escort in 2014. The unmistakable quick march
:03:13. > :03:16.of the Scots Guards. F Company is an incremental
:03:17. > :03:18.company of Scots Guards, based in Wellington Barracks
:03:19. > :03:24.and they've been involved in all the major ceremonial and
:03:25. > :03:32.state occasions over the past year. The field officer is waiting.
:03:33. > :04:02.Saluting once again with his sword. The commanding officer has a moment
:04:03. > :04:06.to pause before the next stage of the parade.
:04:07. > :04:09.He's been sharing his thoughts with us about the special honour
:04:10. > :04:11.that today represents for him and his men.
:04:12. > :04:14.My message to the guardsmen on the day would be to understand
:04:15. > :04:17.the great thing that they're part of, and take the opportunity
:04:18. > :04:20.to really be proud of that and show themselves off to,
:04:21. > :04:23.most importantly, Her Majesty, for this her 90th birthday year.
:04:24. > :04:30.And I hope that as I move forward to address Her Majesty
:04:31. > :04:34.and inform her that her guards are ready to march off,
:04:35. > :04:38.she will be happy with it, and hopefully even a smile.
:04:39. > :04:42.And we can head on back up The Mall to Buckingham Palace so she can
:04:43. > :06:16.MUSIC: Queen Elizabeth composed by Zehle.
:06:17. > :06:19.The pipers always add a great sense of excitement to the Birthday
:06:20. > :06:23.We are greatly looking forward to the next phase of the Parade ?
:06:24. > :06:25.with the thrilling sights of the Household Cavalry
:06:26. > :06:27.and the King's Troop and the Mounted Bands ?
:06:28. > :06:31.The Massed Bands marching to one side.
:06:32. > :06:42.Both horses, Clydesdale crosses, and both carrying solid
:06:43. > :06:54.They weigh an enormous amount, and they are big,
:06:55. > :07:24.Having seen them get ready this morning I
:07:25. > :07:37.The 19th year they have been on parade, they joined
:07:38. > :07:41.The first time on request of the Royal family
:07:42. > :07:49.Their duties include the firing of royal gun salutes on
:07:50. > :07:57.Royal anniversaries and state occasions.
:07:58. > :07:59.Yesterday they fired a Royal salute to mark the Duke
:08:00. > :08:30.Major Robert Skeggs is in command of the King's Troop
:08:31. > :08:48.He took command in 2014. His second parade as commanding officer.
:08:49. > :08:50.The Duke of Edinburgh was 95 yesterday.
:08:51. > :08:53.Making the salute alongside Her Majesty.
:08:54. > :09:02.The lead gun, prominently on display, is in effect the Colour
:09:03. > :09:04.of the Troop, so it's accorded the same reverence
:09:05. > :09:16.These 13 lb quick-fire guns entered service in 1904 and all six
:09:17. > :09:38.of the guns on parade today were used in the Great War.
:09:39. > :09:40.The Field Officer of the Sovereign's Escort
:09:41. > :09:42.is Major Alex Owen of the Blues and Royals.
:09:43. > :10:03.As field officer he commands the Household Cavalry troops on parade.
:10:04. > :10:05.The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments,
:10:06. > :10:07.The Blues and Royals and The Life Guards.
:10:08. > :10:29.They are the two senior regiments of the British Army.
:10:30. > :10:31.It's his job to control the speed during the rides
:10:32. > :10:36.And at the rear, the Farriers, dressed in their dark blue tunics
:10:37. > :10:42.They're the ones in times gone by who would despatch horses
:10:43. > :11:08.The Field Officer's Trumpeter is Trooper Peter Chivers
:11:09. > :11:13.His horse Otto is a grey, as in the past it helped
:11:14. > :11:42.the trumpeters stand out on the battlefield.
:11:43. > :11:44.The Household Cavalry break-in to trot now.
:11:45. > :11:46.That's quite difficult, the horses have been sitting around,
:11:47. > :11:54.Commanding Officer, Major Robert Skeggs once again
:11:55. > :11:59.Major Skeggs is married to Nicola, who's the Regimental
:12:00. > :12:01.Veterinary Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted
:12:02. > :12:05.Regiment, in charge of the health of over 250 horses at Hyde Park
:12:06. > :12:27.There is a high percentage of women in The King's Troop ?
:12:28. > :12:29.currently around 47% of the soldiers are female.
:12:30. > :12:32.Many of the men and women on parade today have seen active service
:12:33. > :12:40.as they regularly reinforce other Royal Artillery Regiments ?
:12:41. > :12:41.most recently they have served in operations
:12:42. > :12:50.It almost makes the Parade Ground shudder when they come through in
:12:51. > :12:58.They joined because they want to work with horses and they
:12:59. > :13:13.There is a line of the masters of the troop formed up of the
:13:14. > :13:15.Regimental Sergeant Major and the instructor
:13:16. > :13:25.In trot, the first and Second Divisions
:13:26. > :13:35.That kit that they wear is incredibly heavy.
:13:36. > :13:37.When you take into account everything that they're wearing, but
:13:38. > :13:48.There is not too much wind today, which helps.
:13:49. > :13:50.If the wind gets under their tails, it can
:13:51. > :13:53.make them more excitable, but you just want a bit of a breeze
:13:54. > :14:01.The last time that the horses of the Household Cavalry were
:14:02. > :14:16.used was in 1940, deployed to Palestine.
:14:17. > :14:22.Major Craig Hallatt ? salute in their unique way ? the kettle
:14:23. > :14:25.drummers cross their sticks ? as they pass the saluting base.
:14:26. > :14:28.Major Hallatt ? who joined the Army 31 years ago ? composed two
:14:29. > :14:30.of the pieces heard today ? "Majesty" and "Tangier
:14:31. > :14:37.And by the way, among the musicians today is trombonist Richard Jones ?
:14:38. > :14:41.the magician who won this year's Britain's Got Talent.
:14:42. > :14:45.A rather different challenge for him today.
:14:46. > :14:48.The musicians wear the state coat ? with its crimson velvet,
:14:49. > :14:51.gold braid and lace ? the oldest ceremonial uniform in the regular
:14:52. > :15:08.The Band halts, and the Director of Music
:15:09. > :15:10.turns, signalling that he's handing back control to the Field Officer ?
:15:11. > :15:19.for the final Birthday Salute to the Queen.
:15:20. > :16:45.In close order, left and right, dress.
:16:46. > :16:48.Making his way to the Approach Road as we approach the end of the parade
:16:49. > :16:50.is Garrison Sergeant Major, London District, Warrant Officer
:16:51. > :16:52.Class One, Andrew Stokes of the Coldstream Guards.
:16:53. > :16:55.This is his first birthday parade in this very important role.
:16:56. > :16:58.He joined the Army in 1988 and he has served around the world
:16:59. > :17:00.in the meantime, including the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.
:17:01. > :17:02.I have to say he has impressed everyone with his
:17:03. > :17:04.meticulous preparation for today's parade.
:17:05. > :17:06.Field Officer will ask Her Majesty's permission to march off to conclude
:17:07. > :17:14.Your Majesty, this year on behalf of all ranks
:17:15. > :17:18.of the House Hold division may I wish you and His Royal
:17:19. > :17:34.Your Royal Guards are ready to march off, ma'am.
:17:35. > :17:37.Not just asking permission to march off, but a birthday greeting on
:17:38. > :17:42.behalf of all the ground troops for the Commanding Officer and for the
:17:43. > :17:56.So, as the Commanding Officer takes his position, first carriages are
:17:57. > :18:15.leaving Horse Guards for the return to Buckingham Palace.
:18:16. > :18:17.The first carriage the Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Cambridge
:18:18. > :18:47.So some rousing and energetic music, Mauritania.
:18:48. > :18:50.This is the moment, Greville, where the Queen will be
:18:51. > :18:52.reflecting on what the parade has been like.
:18:53. > :18:54.The Duke of Edinburgh no doubt has his views too.
:18:55. > :18:57.The Field Officer, as we can see, joining this procession.
:18:58. > :18:59.And to what extent do you think the verdict is clear at
:19:00. > :19:10.I think Her Majesty will have reached a pretty sound conclusion.
:19:11. > :19:15.I think she is going to have loved it.
:19:16. > :19:17.From my prospective, I thought it looked
:19:18. > :19:23.Well, this tradition of the monarch leading the Guards back to
:19:24. > :19:30.Buckingham Palace was established by George V back in 1914.
:19:31. > :19:32.The Parade had become increasingly popular
:19:33. > :19:35.so it was decided to provide an even more impressive experience
:19:36. > :20:11.There are many thousands here for this 90th Birthday Parade.
:20:12. > :20:15.Nice weather, enjoying the fact lots of crowds out there today.
:20:16. > :20:16.A good moment, gravel, to underline the
:20:17. > :20:19.very solid relationship between the Queen and the troops of the
:20:20. > :20:22.When I mentioned earlier that the Coldstream had
:20:23. > :20:25.performed in 1650 and 1661, when we became loyal to the crown
:20:26. > :20:27.under King Charles II, that's how far back it
:20:28. > :20:31.The clue is in the title, we are the Household Division, Her
:20:32. > :20:32.Majesty's on troops, the monarch's own troops.
:20:33. > :20:34.That's borne out today when
:20:35. > :20:54.we get the opportunity to parade in front of her.
:20:55. > :20:56.We have the guards, many of them Coldstream Guards,
:20:57. > :20:58.underlining once again the close relationship the Queen has with
:20:59. > :21:00.service men and women, and has had throughout her reign.
:21:01. > :21:04.The relationship between the Queen and Armed Forces
:21:05. > :21:32.We have been looking back at the bond with the military.
:21:33. > :21:35.Wearing the gold grenade badge of the Grenadiers in her hat,
:21:36. > :21:38.Princess Elizabeth makes her first military inspection.
:21:39. > :21:41.And the final posed picture, taken at the end of the review,
:21:42. > :21:44.may be regarded as a record of the first official
:21:45. > :21:48.occasion in the life of England's future Queen.
:21:49. > :21:50.His Majesty was accompanied by Princess Elizabeth
:21:51. > :22:00.for the birthday ceremony of Trooping the Colour.
:22:01. > :22:01.Before the age-old Tower, the guns speak.
:22:02. > :22:17.At Spithead, the Royal Yacht Britannia steamed proudly
:22:18. > :22:46.The Ensign for the Queen's colour is Lieutenant Philip Whitehead.
:22:47. > :22:55.May God bless her and all who sail in her.
:22:56. > :22:59.I know I speak for all those who have the privilege
:23:00. > :23:02.to wear your uniform and hold your commission
:23:03. > :23:25.when I thank you for your dedication to our service and to our country.
:23:26. > :23:26.Three cheers for Her Majesty The Queen!
:23:27. > :24:00.The King's Troop ready to fire their salute.
:24:01. > :24:02.The impressive salute being fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse
:24:03. > :24:05.Artillery as they do every year for the Queen's Birthday Parade.
:24:06. > :24:07.This year, special interest given a 90th
:24:08. > :24:10.birthday, and there are very big crowds in Green Park and St James's
:24:11. > :24:18.Park here, and as we look around on the mall itself.
:24:19. > :24:38.Robert Hardman of the Daily Mail and Greville with me.
:24:39. > :24:40.The Queen leading the Royal family out
:24:41. > :24:42.onto the balcony for this wonderful scene.
:24:43. > :24:46.first public appearance from Princess Charlotte, waiting in the
:24:47. > :24:51.The Queen acknowledging the applause of this enormous crowd.
:24:52. > :24:53.The Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales.
:24:54. > :24:59.Everybody waiting patiently for the fly past.
:25:00. > :25:01.We can already feel the presence of some helicopters
:25:02. > :25:05.Four helicopters, led by the Chinook, a
:25:06. > :25:07.Griffin, a Puma and an Augusta 109 SP.
:25:08. > :25:10.The great Chinook, continuously deployed in operations around the
:25:11. > :25:14.Princess Charlotte having a look to the sky
:25:15. > :25:18.There will be a big round of applause and delight
:25:19. > :25:21.when I'm sure people see the Spitfire and Hurricane.
:25:22. > :25:30.The iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
:25:31. > :25:38.C-130 Hercules and two pilot trainers.
:25:39. > :25:47.Thundering through the sky above Buckingham Palace.
:25:48. > :25:52.Hercules, it is the 50th anniversary of the Hercules being operated by
:25:53. > :26:26.Two tornadoes accompanying the Air Seeker.
:26:27. > :26:39.We have the great big Voyager, it is 200-feet long.
:26:40. > :26:42.And that really is a very big presence in the skies above St
:26:43. > :27:04.The Royal Air Force aero aerobatic team.
:27:05. > :27:10.My word, that was quite a sight and lots of
:27:11. > :27:16.I think it is safe to say that the Queen and other
:27:17. > :27:20.members of the Royal Family thoroughly enjoyed one of the
:27:21. > :27:23.biggest fly-pasts we have seen for many years on the Queen's
:27:24. > :28:21.So the Queen and three generations of the Royal
:28:22. > :28:23.Family make their way back into the Palace
:28:24. > :28:26.and the Birthday Parade 2016 in the Queen's 90th year
:28:27. > :28:33.An equally impressive performance by the Royal Air Force
:28:34. > :28:39.with a fly-past to enjoy the day's events.
:28:40. > :28:48.For now, from my special guests, thank you both. Everyone from the
:28:49. > :29:41.BBC team, thank you for watching and goodbye.
:29:42. > :29:44.MUSIC: Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity by Holst
:29:45. > :29:48.MUSIC: Love Theme from Romeo And Juliet by Tchaikovsky
:29:49. > :29:51.MUSIC: Land Of Hope And Glory by Elgar
:29:52. > :29:55.Tickets for this year's Proms are on sale now.
:29:56. > :30:00.Go to bbc.co.uk/proms to find out more.