The Queen's birthday celebrations - annual Trooping the Color parade.
I was fortunate enough to be in London this weekend for two reasons. First, the 2002 World Cup was happening and I would get to see England and Ireland play in the ambiance of a British and Irish pub. Secondly, the annual trooping of the color parade was happening. I got up early to get going in order to get an excellent viewpoint for the parade. I was expecting there to be a huge crowd. After walking from my hotel to Buckingham Palace (via Green Park) I noticed that the crowds were not that large. Then it dawned on me that most English folk were probably staying home for the England-Denmark football match coming on at noon.
The parade is performed to celebrate the Queen's official birthday (her real birthday was actually in May I belive). The parade route starts from Buckingham Palace and proceeds down The Mall to the parade square. I positioned myself about halfway down The Mall on St James Park side. The parade started with a huge line of soldiers decked out in their red uniforms and black bearskin hats. They must be hot in those things! Overall, I really enjoyed the parade, especially the Horse Guards and musical performers. Click here to view pictures of Trooping the Color parade After all the guards went by the Royalty appeared. First it was a few lesser known royals followed by Prince Andrew and his daughters. Then came Prince Charles and Prince Philip decked out in military regalia and riding their horses in front of a carriage containing Queen Elizabeth. The Queen looked really good as she waved to the crowds. Then in a blink of an eye, it was over. My exciting morning was over but I had plenty of time to head to the pub for the England maatch.
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