The Queen's Birthday Parade Trooping the Colour

Every year on a Saturday in June, the ceremony of Trooping the Colour

is held to celebrate the sovereign's official birthday. This

year, many of the uniforms will feature this medal, it is the

Diamond Jubilee Medal, as the troops of the Household Division

present their own birthday tribute The custom of honouring the

sovereign's birthday every year with a grand parade goes back

nearly 300 years, to the days of George III. More than 1,000 troops

are taking part today, led by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards,

whose colour is being trooped today. It is their first opportunity to

provide the Escort since 1999. The guards, as ever, assembled into two

rex, a tribute to Wellington's tactics in battle in years gone by.

These soldiers on parade today are fully trained and better already.

British forces sustaining more losses in Afghanistan and in recent

days, bringing to 419 the number of personnel who have died in

operations there. Thousands of people are watching in the stands

around Horse Guards Parade. Those invited include ambassadors and

diplomats, including senior military figures and government

ministers as well. Along the Mall, more than 250 soldiers lining the

processional route, made of both officers, plus 240 men, from the

1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. In

a short while, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and other members

of the Royal Family will leave Buckingham Palace, the route even

more familiar to everyone watching after the Diamond Jubilee events of

the past month. There have been two full-scale rehearsals for today's

parade on the past two Saturdays. Only this morning, the final

details were being checked at Wellington Barracks, where we can

join Clare Balding. Not the most glamorous of surroundings, because

actually, this is an underground car park, just a temporary home for

the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. They have been here for

the last few weeks, and they have been getting up very early. The

guns have been rebuilt, cleaned inside and out. Some of this gear

dates back to the First World War. These are small, chunky, sturdy

horses, a bit different to the ones you will see in the Household

Cavalry. They will be using chalk to make sure that all of these

marks are gone. We will be joining our escorts to see how their

preparations have been going. Coldstream Guards have had a very

busy summer. They received new collars from Her Majesty the Queen.

They provided a guard of honour at the State Opening of Parliament.

They played a prominent role in the Jubilee celebrations. At all times

they also stayed focused on their next deployment. The commander will

always be focused on operations coming up. We had a directive the

other day to get operations out of our heads, it was all about

ceremonial. Don't mess up, get it right, do not let anybody down. Too

much work has gone into it! main thought initially with

Trooping the Colour this year will be to make sure that everybody is

looking immaculate. If we do not have those straight lines, it will

throw everything out. I started riding in September last year. I am

struggling a bit, definitely, but hopefully it will come right on the

day. Everybody knows the parade, everybody knows the format,

everybody will be getting into the right position at the right time,

and then you have just got to make sure that all of the individuals'

hands are in the right position, maybe occasionally raising your

voice slightly. To be able to go out in front of millions of people

and to be able to perform the escort for the Trooping the Colour,

it is going to be an absolute honour. It is a huge honour to be

taking part, but I fear I will be concentrating on just staying on

top of the horse! There is no better motivation for getting it

right than the Queen actually taking the inspection on the day. I

would like to think every single one of them will feel that pride on

the day. Just a sense of the intense build-up to today's parade.

The Escort this year provided by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards,

the oldest regiment in continuous service in the British Army, and

one of seven regiments in the Household Division. These are the

personal tropes of Her Majesty the Queen. The first battalion

comprises an elite Light Infantry unit of 600 men. The Coldstream

Guards is also providing a No 2 Guard and No 3 Guard. 80% of this

particular company is new to the parade. Next to them, we have No 5

Guard, found this year by 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Over the

summer, they will be providing a lot of the security for the Olympic

rowing and canoeing at Windsor. Next, No 4 Guard, found by Nijmegen

Company, Grenadier Guards. The company has also been providing

support to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards serving in

Afghanistan. They are serving with 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who

deployed to Helmand earlier this year. They sent us this brief

message for the parade today. all of us in Afghanistan, we wish

you the best on parade today. We look forward to taking part next

year. That was a rousing cymru am byth there. The newcomer was

presented to the 1st Battalion by the Queen at Windsor just a month

ago. The battalion carrying 44 of the regiment's 113 Battle honours.

6th June marks the 269th anniversary of the battle -- the

Battle of Dettingen. Awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in

Afghanistan in 2010 was Sergeant Paul Baines. We will be speaking to

his family later in the programme. He is flight today by a two

sentries to the colour. Those are Guardsman Gareth Etherington and

Guardsman Kyle Dunbar. The officer commanding the parade today is the

Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant,

of the Coldstream Guards. He has been speaking with Clare about the

challenge he faces today. This horse knows exactly what she is

doing, which must be quite a comfort. It really is. She is not

the most flashy horse in the stables, but I can rely on her. For

an in from -- infantryman Lee like -- infantry man like me, it is very

reassuring. We are immensely proud. Trooping the Colour in front of the

Queen is always a huge privilege, something we take extremely

seriously. This year, the eyes of the world are upon London.

quite a challenge, and a very different one. There have been some

additional challenges this year, no question. The men have been playing

a large part in a number of the celebrations, which has made some

of the preparation more disruptive than it might have been. The boys

have worked really hard. I think we are set for a good parade. I know

that the Coldstream Guards had a number of really strong candidates,

and let's see which one was chosen. One young officer will take centre

stage. We went to Sandhurst to meet the five people who are competing

for the role of ensign. To have the honour of doing it in front of the

Queen would be something overwhelming. It is not something

you'd take lightly. My father himself was an ensign back in the

1976 birthday Parade. Having heard his memories and seen the

photographs, it would mean a lot. Particularly in the Diamond Jubilee

year, it would mean a huge to mount to me. There is also the

responsibility of filling these huge boots. Whoever gets to be the

ensign, it will be a friendly pat on the back and catching up for a

drink afterwards. I am looking for somebody who's proven

professionally, but also has a great sense of humour, and is able

to look after his blokes and lead from the front. On leaving

Sandhurst, the officers are sent on infantry training. It is the

perfect opportunity to show the qualities needed to be the ideal

ensign. They will be tired and stressed, you cannot see very much

around you, so they will be working hard to work out what is going on.

This is hugely important for the role that we will do. The role of

the ensign, many people might think, it is just a ceremonial role, but

what is easy to forget is that every soldier on the troop, not

just the ensign, is a battle soldier. It is now may, and we are

in the location where we practise, effectively out of the public eye,

and we have now selected our ensign. It is wonderful news, it is a

wonderful way to start life in the regiment. I think Second Lieutenant

Hugo Codrington comes across as being a very accomplished young

officer. He cares passionately about his soldiers, that has come

across all ready. And finally, I am pretty confident that the drill

will go really well as well. the proudest of days for Second

Lieutenant Hugo Codrington. And we will be hearing more about his

family's links with the Coldstream Guards later on. Someone who knows

every detail about this event is my guest once again this year, he

commanded the parade himself back in 2009, he is Colonel Ben Farrell,

formerly of the Irish Guards. morning two all a few, particularly

those watching from Afghanistan today. Let's talk about the field

officer - you have been there and done it, so what is going through

his mind? I have been speaking to him this morning. He is feeling

pretty relaxed and confident. I have to say, I was feeling pretty

much the same myself at this moment, but at the time when I saw the

Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the Chief of Defence Staff and most of

the hierarchy of the nation, you suddenly begin to feel that this

would be a bad day to fluff your lines. Making way now for the first

of the royal carriages, which will be arriving in a few minutes' time.

That departure is upon us, at Buckingham Palace. The first

carriage is carrying the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge

And in the second carriage, the Duke of York and his daughters,

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

So, as the sovereigns' procession is about to get under way in just a

few minute, let's join Clare Balding wufpbs again.

Right outside Buckingham Palace with the Captain Roley. A busy,

busy summer for you already? Enormously, yes. Most who're here

were taking part in Her Majesty's Jubilee procession and now we are

back here again for the birthday parade which is a really special

one this year. Obviously it's special every year but in a Jubilee

year we are really looking forward to taking part.

The horses have to concentrate and are working hard. When do they have

time off? We'll look to develop the bond between horse and rider in

Norfolk by doing various exercise and Joe jumping. We take them to

the beach and ride them bareback in the waves which is a really

different experience to the horses. It really develops the trust and

gives them a chance to cut loose a bit. Lovely to hear about that.

Thank you and good luck today. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

depart. They'll make their way towards Horse Guards Parade. A new

development for us this year because the Queen and the Duke

travelling in the glass coach today. Buckingham Palace says this is

because of the unpredictable nature of today's weather. The coach which

has been in regular use over the past centuries, certainly for many

Royal weddings, including the wedding of the young Princess

Elizabeth and Prince Philip back in 1947. At Her Majesty's side once

again this year is the Duke of Edinburgh who celebrated his 91th

birthday last Sunday. He missed some of the Jubilee celebrations

because of ill health. We have the Royal colonels following, the Duke

of Cambridge, the Princess Royal is This is the scene along the Mall as

the first carriages approach Horse Guards Parade. The Duchess of

Cambridge. In the past year, she's carried out her first solo Royal

event and delivered her first public speech as a member of the

Royal Family. That was seen to be a great success. Prince Harry spent

the past week on pre-deployment training at RAF Wattisham in

Suffolk. He's a fully operational Apache helicopter pilot with the

So these are the first karanls approaching Horse Guards Parade --

carriages. We saw earlier No.3 guard parted to make way for first

Royal guests. When they arrive on the parade ground, there'll be the

national anthem to signal their Prince Harry salutes the colour,

wearing the uniform of the Blues & Royals officer in dismount red view

order, decorated with the wings of the Army air corps and his Golden

Jubilee medal and Afghanistan Both sides of the Mall decked in

Union Jacks, as they were for the Jubilee events. The flags will be

flying on all Government buildings until sunket, that is to mark the

sovereign's traditional birthday in the traditional way. The brigade

major Andrew Speed, second time in that role, it's his responsibility

to check that everything is up to scratch for the birthday parade.

The Queen's birthday parade is our annual demonstration to the Monarch

of our commitment to her and I think it's a celebration of the

fact that she's dedicated herself both to the military and to the

nation for 60 years. Sadly, this is my last year as the brigade major,

I've been lucky enough to work with a great team who work very hard to

produce these events. So there's a I think the of sadness, but equally,

I'm looking forward to what will be a cracking parade -- there's a

tinge of sadness. The major followed by the regiment formed in

1969, a merger of two historic regiment, the Royal Dragoons and

the Royal horse guards. They have distinctive red plumes

and are wearing the state helmet that was design bid Prince Albert

back in 18 42. They are followed by the mounted band of the Household

Cavalry whose appearance is always one of the very high points of the

birthday parade. The band directed by Captain Jason Griffiths of the

Blues & Royals. His first time in A glimpse for us there of the Royal

colonels, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of If Irish colonel guards will be

celebrating his birthday this month in June. Colonel of the Welsh

Guards today has been awarded the highest rank in all three military

services by the Queen, Field Marshall Admiral of the fleet,

marshal of the Air Force, Duke of Kent of the Scots Guards and the

Princess Royal, colonel of the The most remarkable stpact that Her

Majesty's taking the salute at every single parade that's been

held -- remarkable fact. One was cancelled in the 50s because of a

rail strike. One has been held almost every year since her

Chelsea Pensioners represented by ten in-pensioners today with a

combined service of 21 1 years, led by the Captain of invalids men

Philip Shannon, used to be Director of The Music of the Irish Guards.

On to the parade ground itself, Mark Hargreaves preparing to

produce his distinctive salute of The Royal colonel saluting as they

pass the colour and the non-Royal colonels, Lord Guthrie and

Lieutenant Colonel James Bucknall will do likewise. The Queen's

birthday of 2012 will get under way. At the stroke of 11 o'clock, the

Queen will be stepping on to the base. The field officer will give

his command and the national anthem, Fooled officer brigade in waiting,

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the Sergeant prepares to order the SO THE QUEEN'S FIRST DUTY IS TO

INSPECT HER TROOPS AND THIS IS LIEUTENANT COLONEL STEPHEN

BARNWELL'S FIRST PARADE AS SENIOR Director of music as appointed last

year, just in time for the challenges of the Diamond Jubilee

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and the Olympic Games. He'll The music changes to West Country

songs. An arrangement of traditional songs asofrb associated

with the West Country where the Coldstream Guards have music

associated with major Darren wolfen dale. The Queen will be wearing the

brooch of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. Then a lot is

said about the very deep and meaningful relationship between

these troops on parade today and Her Majesty. Ben, can you shed a

little more light on that? Yes, Huw. The Queen is the colonel in Chief

of the Seven regiments of the Household Division, the five

regiments of Foot Guards and the two regiments of the Household

Cavalry. She has had an enduring and very special relationship with

the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry for many years. Of course

perhaps even stronger these days when we witness three generations

of the Royal Family on parade wearing a uniform of the regiments

of the Household Division and not forgetting both her grandsons are

currently serving within the Guards. So the Household Division as a

being the personal bodyguards of Her Majesty the Queen and we can

witness every day from the Royal In charge of all the soldiers on

parade today is Major General George Norton, commanding the

Household Division who commanded in parade himself in 200 3 and 2004

and he's been sharing his thoughts on his new role.

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

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

recently, it saw me commanding the parade both in 200 3 and 2004 as a

commanding officer. Successful ceremonial calls for teamwork,

attention to detail, discipline and all of these qualities translate

directly to the battlefield, albeit that the days of marching in

straight lines on the battlefield are long gone. So the parade stands

by for one of the most popular military tunes. This tune by Dan

Godfrey played first in 1869. It will be led forward by the major

senior drum member and it signals that the Queen's birthday parade is

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American flavour have been included at the personal request of Major

General George Norton, recognising the work done together by British

and American forces in Afghanistan over the last 10 years. The lone

drummer, Lance Sergeant Paul Blakelock, breaks away. He is from

Tyne and Wear, he has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and

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the next phase is about to start. In days gone by, it was the

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subaltern's responsibility to big, bold, proud moment for them,

on their way to escort the colour. We mentioned the a leaked like

infantry role - define that for us, Ben. Over many years, the role has

been to close with the enemy in the closest combat. But I think this

role has become increasingly sophisticated over many years.

Units like the Coldstream Guards, who are currently in Afghanistan,

are engaged in training, mentoring and supporting the Afghan forces,

as well as passing the message to the population of Afghanistan that

their purpose is to be there to provide a safe and secure future

for the people of Afghanistan. They have to be adaptable and able to

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operate in complex and demanding over the sword so that the Trooping

colour. He now prepares to hand over possession to the ensign,

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Colour through the ranks is about to start. The regimental Sergeant

Major turns to the rear. The colour Escort, to the colour, slow march!

So, the Escort advances in slow of the challenge facing the bands.

They have very little room for manoeuvre. This is easily the most

baffling move of the entire parade. Lots of standing still, and then

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suddenly, as if by magic, they are every guardsman aware of the

significance of what is about to happen. For the Ensign, of course,

bearing the colour, no doubting the honour, for him and for his family.

The Codringtons are a bit of a military family and there have been

two former Coldstreams who went all the way up to become Lieutenant and

colonel. To be the new forward in the next generation to carry on the

tradition, I'm very proud to be a part of it and I hope it will

continue long after I'm gone too. Being the Ensign is something that

only comes around once every nine years for each guard battalion. So

to be in my shoes now means I'm very fortunate. It's not something

I ever pecksed to be doing. doubting the Coldstream credentials

of the Codringtons, Ben? Some familys have a long and

distinguished history within the division. As we look at the formal

process of trapping the colour. What does that signify? It's worth

reflecting that these parades have very practical origins and formerly

within the Army, dating back to 1746, but before that, barons and

chieftains used to use their flags and banners or colours as rallying

points on the battlefield. They used to troop the flags through the

ranks of their soldiers to allow them to recognise them. In the

chaos of battle, the soldiers were able to rally at their points. What

we see today, although very much ceremonial, has deep, historical

highly decorated, including the accumulated service medal which

involves Iraq and Afghanistan and more medals being added today, Ben?

It's worth mentioning that Neil Lowry, capital major of F Company

has been awarded the service medal today, as has colour sergeant David

Rodgers who's on parade. As a colour point marker. He will

shortly become the Queen's piper, so a fantastic day for both of them.

In this Diamond Jubilee year, 440,000 Diamond Jubilee medals have

been issued to those in the Armed Forces and indaed other services

too? -- indeed in other services too.

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Halt. Excourt, to the colour. Turn. The officers ordered to take post.

Only the captains remain in front of the Forwards and the colour

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A moment of relief too probably for lots of the guardsmen who've been

standing still for well over an hour. But it's not a moment to

relax, because the march-past is about to take place. And trying to

keep that line of so many men straight is a precision task really

which requires a lot of concentration and confidence and is

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old Coldstream slow marches the colour, a moment then to

reflect, Ben, on how long the Guards have had to prepare for this

parade? We've always had a period described adds spring drills in the

past where regiments could prepare for several months before a Queen's

birthday parade. Over the recent years as the Army's become

increasingly busy, this time has been limited and none more so than

this year when the Coldstream Guards have been involved in so

many different events before today. So they've had no time for spring

drills. We were always warned of peaking early in our preparations

for this parade. I think in my discussions with Rob, he certainly

said there was no danger of them peaking early. He was hoping they'd

peak today. Looking at it so far, I Guards and the Major of the praid -

first trooped their colour for the Queen back in 1954. This is the

sixth time they've been given the honour, the last time was 1999.

Guardsman Dowell from Leicester is 6'9", one of the tallest guardsmen

on parade today. The Prime Minister and Samantha Cameron enjoying the

parade with lots of other people in the Escort, taking position for the

formal march-past when the Queen will take salute. Timing critical

here. They have to get off in perfect shape. This slow march

deceptively easy - the experts say it's very testing and on this

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gravel surface, it's certainly Batam of Dettingen. - Battle of

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Dettingen. The Ensign raises the the Grenadier Guards. The Irish

chairman of the Irish Guards. The music changes to the slow march of

the Queen. Patrick Wells, a class mate of Prince William's at Eton.

One of the few old Etonians serving in the regiment at the moment, but

does have a very rich tradition, over 850 Coldstream officers have

saluted the Queen to show that the slow march past is complete and the

everyone on parade without exception and for their friends and

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

earlier. I'm with Susan Baines whose son

Paul is the colour sergeant today. What a day for you? Yes, it's

really special today to see him actually doing something like this

instead of something dangerous. was awarded an MC wasn't he?

for tour in Afghanistan 2011-2011. He wanted to accept the award on

behalf of all the guards, because they all do a special job, not just

him. Exactly and deflecting the attention. You have a connection

with the Queen? Yes, I was born on Coronation Day and my mother named

me after the Queen, Susan Elizabeth. Susan Elizabeth? Yes. Have a

wonderful day. Thank you. So we have the red feathers, the neutral

quick march, not sure how neutral that is. The red plumes are alluded

to. The march-past was last played today then I suppose is the pride

involved in this parade in putting on the best possible military

display anywhere in the world. That's absolutely right, Huw. I

always lake to reflect that what you are seeing today is a

ceremonial occasion performed the the highest standard by battle-

hardened soldiers. Looking at them today, pretty much the only part of

the parade that's changed over the years is the weapons they are

carrying, the weapons they'll deploy with, of course, on their

operations. They are carrying the bayonets and they are hugely proud

of the dual role. You can see the high standards today, reflected

again in all they do overseas. Since operations began in

Afghanistan and Iraq, the Household Division troops have deployed on

multiple occasions and made a vast contribution and the Coldstream

Guards have continued to distinguish themselves on

operations both in Iraq, recently in Afghanistan with two tours in

the last few years and another tour October 2013. The Household Cavalry

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Guards. A real sense of dynamism and energy. The Queen acknowledging

the Colour at the rear of the Patrick's Day, the Quick march of

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Lieutenant Colonel Robin Sergeant, to take stock. He told us what the

day meant for him. On one hand, I feel extraordinarily proud to be

feel extraordinarily proud to be representing the regiment, to be on

parade with my soldiers. I also feel a degree of trepidation,

wanting to make sure that the parade is really of the standard

which is expected by Her Majesty. The message that I give to my

soldiers on parade is one that I am going to try to adhere to myself,

which is to enjoy it. What an extraordinary thing to be part of,

especially this year, in London, in especially this year, in London, in

front of Her Majesty the Queen. it is quite a thought, Ben, that on

this very parade ground, later in the summer, there will be a very

different event taking place. BEN FARRELL: Yes, on Monday I think

the preparations for the Olympic beach volleyball commence here. I

understand there will be around 2,500 tons of sand laid, and it

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will transform itself into an take post! Quick march!

The officers take post in front of the dance again -- in front of the

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cards again. The Colour will be the Mounted Bands. Training the

horses takes three or four years, they get used to the noise, and the

weight. And there is quite a strong wind at the moment, and the horses

are being a little bit tricky to handle.

CLARE BALDING: Achilles has been playing up a little bit for the

Life Guards! For the Blues and from last year's Queen's Birthday

Parade. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery had to miss the

parade as a precaution because of a suspected outbreak of disease. But

this is now the 15th time they have been on parade. They have joined by

a request from the Royal Family. as Commanding Officer of the parade

for Major Mark Lewis. This march was composed by the Duchess of Kent

in the 19th century, the mother of Queen Victoria. The lead gun,

treated as the Colour of the troupe. The same respect paid to it as the

Colour. These guns first saw service in the First World War.

Each of the 613lb guns dates back Deverell. Deployed to Afghanistan

in 2010 as part of the household Slow March of the Life Guards. The

captain is riding a horse called Connery today. The Life Guards

originally raised in 1660. Charles II, whilst in exile, selected

members of a new regiment. And in their distinctive dark tunics, the

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

Edward, riding Lucy. All of the horses are graded according to

as they go by. Each gun is pulled by six horses. The three on the

nearside are ridden, and the three on the far side are held by the

person known as the glider. The front pair are the leaders, the

tall, slightly more athletic courses. The centre pair are

slightly smaller, adding extra draft Powell. The final set of

forces other wheel courses, acting as the brakes of the team, and they

usually quite thick-set, able to sitting trot, not the most

that is their formal salute for Her Majesty. Led away by the Director

of Music of the Blues & Royals, inwards as a signal to the Field

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Officer that the Household Cavalry moving towards the approach road.

It's his ferocious attention to detail that's always noticeable at

these great ceremonial events. So the field officer approaches the

saluting base and will seek the Queen's permission to march off.

Your Majesty's guards are ready to guests that we saw earlier have

been watching from Horse Guards building. They're already on their

way back to Buckingham Palace for that balcony appearance and the

troops from Horse Guards Parade on the way back to Buckingham Palace

where the day will continue for some of the Guardsmen because they

commentator and Daily Mail writer Robert Hartman. A warm welcome to

you. What do you make of the parade today? Thank you, Huw. It's great

continuity here. Today is something of a breather in an extraordinary

summer for the Queen. This is all very reassure tpwhi familiar. There

have been many extraordinary sights over the last few weeks but now we

have today and a week ahead, which is part of an anchor in the Royal

calendar. The Queen's attended all her birthday parades. Next week, we

have the gathering of all the Knights at the garter at Windsor,

that leads to Royal Ascot. These are all events that she knows well

and loves. Whilst big events, they're somewhat stress-free, shall

we say, compared to some things we have seen in the last few days and

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

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

official events, not just here in the UK, but throughout the

Commonwealth. They've been paying their own personal tributes to the

Queen, they've been sharing their stories and memories with us.

What the Queen's managed to do is to bring the monarchy into the 21st

century as best as she can. She's not had a blueprint or anyone

telling her this is how to do it. She's very much done it her own way

and, from my own point of view, that's been hugely successful.

She's timeless. She is this figurehead that is in touch with

every generation instinctively. world looks to her and follows her,

the same as we do. We get actually the granny part of her, but she's

this person that for 60 years has been there for everyone. In wars,

the terrorism and everything. She's stood there and has taken it all in

her stride. Regardless of the time of day, wherever she turns up,

she's still full of life, smiling, able go into a room and bring the

room to life. She shouldn't be doing these thingss at her time of

leaf, but yet she carries on doing them all around the world.

balance she seems to get with her public role and private role being

a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she's figured that

balance out effectively. She's a good person to lead the family. She

does it from the front and we all have massive respect for her and

love her to bits. She doesn't care for celebrity and

she really minds about having privacy in general. It's a very

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

she's carved her own way completely. My grandmother is the Queen. It's

the Queen first then grandmother. In public, you know, that is your

job, your public figure, that is the way that you behave and act and

carry yourself out. She does that imMacratly. Behind closed door,

she'll always be my grandmother. Obviously there are times when

she's the Queen and she'll put her foot down, you know, during the

Games if she's losing, she'll pull out the Queen card. Pulling out the

Queen card, as related by Prince Harry. The view and perspective of

2 grandchildren on the way that the Queen's fulfilled her duties over

the past 60 years. After this birthday parade today, the glass

coach returns to Buckingham Palace with the Queen and the Duke of

Edinburgh. And a moment again to reflect after the voices rbgs

Robert Hardman on the young Royals and the way they are managing to

transform perceptions of the Royal Family? Yes, they really come into

their own during this juebleefplt it's been a very demanding year for

the Queen and the duck -- Jubilee year. -- the Queen and the Duke.

Copping out and helping the Queen on key occasions, like today of

course, but also through the big Jubilee tour. There was the Duchess

of Cambridge at the Queen's side in Leicester when it was the Royal

Maundy celebration in Europe. Princess Beatrice was there with

the Queen. I think we are going to see more of this at these big

occasions where there's a big Royal turnout. It's nice to fall back on

three generations. It's that tricky balance, isn't it? How do you

maintain tradition, underline heritage while modernising too?

Monarchy is all about tradition and pomp on the surface but it has to

evolve and remain relevant and accessible. It's a very difficult

juggling act. It's bun we have the great successes of this reign --

it's been one of the great successes of this reign. As we saw

with Prince Harry for example, representing the Queen on her

Jubilee tour overseas. He can bring a buzz to Royal events, as can the

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

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

The scene in Green Park. King's Troop preparing to fire their 41

gun salute in honour of the Queen's birthday.

Enormous crowds on the Mall today for this Queen's birthday parade of

2012, far bigger than we have seen for many years, reflecting all the

excitement of the Diamond Jubilee. The police, as they always do,

controlling the flow of the crowd along the Mall and around the Queen

Victoria memorial on this bright sunny day, allowing them to best --

the best possible view of the balcony. They want to get close to

the railings and the balcony itself. In Green Park, the 41-gun salute is

under way. A ten second interval between each round of fire, all of

the individual firings counted and marked on leather pads in the

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are the first to arrive. The Prince

of Wales getting ready to appear on the balcony too, along with Prince

William, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry,

the Duke of York, Countess of Wessex, the Duke of York's

daughters. The four helicopters on the way. The Merlyn, the first of a

new generation of advanced medium support helicopters for the RAF.

From RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, we have a puma, battlefield helicopter.

We have a Sea King, from RAF Valley, Prince William's base, of course.

We have the Chinook, the familiar shape of that, really the workhorse

of choice in Afghanistan carrying troops and equipment. They were

meant to be followed by the Battle of Britain memorial flight, but

sadly because of some windy conditions,, that's not possible,

so we will not be seeing the Lancaster, Spitfire or Hurricane.

But we will be seeing the great Hercules. The Hercules, of course,

used primarily for moving equipment and personnel. Sebastien Davey is

the flight Lieutenant today. The multiengine pilot trainers. All of

it being enjoyed by the Royal Family as they wait for the next

group of aircraft. It is the VC10 from RAF Brize Norton in

Oxfordshire, and the two typhoons. The very iedge ail and capable

combat aircraft -- agile. Now we have the E3D, air controlled and

battle management platform. Ken Gunnings is the Captain. The

tornado from vieding vital intelligence on enemy ground

activity. And this is the Voyager, the RAF's newest aircraft, the

replacement for the long-serving and sen rabble CV10 and tristars,

60 metres long, huge wing span of 60 metres, the RAF's biggest ever

aircraft, a spectacular plane. The excitement for the crowd of seeing

the streams of red, white and blue in the skies above, the Red Arrows

birthday parade of 2012 in Diamond acknowledge the applause of the

crowd. A final thought, Robert Hardman from you and what today has

meant? It's no coincidence that the Queen is wearing exactly the same

primrose she wore for the Royal Wedding last year. That was a great