As Member of Parliament for Northampton North, I have had the privilege of attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in the past, and I know many people in Northampton – and indeed all over the world – are impressed by this brilliant display of military discipline every year on television. The Queen is an example to everyone with her lifetime of selfless service and devotion to duty.
This year, two brothers from Northampton, who are Guardsmen in the Coldstream Guards regiment, had the honour of guarding the Colour during this ceremony.
For over 250 years, the annual ceremony known as “Trooping the Colour” has been a major ceremonial event on the royal and military calendars.
The ‘Colour’ –the regimental flag – was historically paraded and displayed in front of the soldiers to ensure that they were familiar with the colours and insignia of other British troops, so they could identify them in the confusion of battle.
Over time, it also came to be the ceremony marking the Official Birthday of the Monarch, and as most people will know this year is the Queen’s 90th Birthday, making for an extra special ceremony.
The Queen reviewed the Coldstream Guards of the Household Division this year at Horse Guards Parade, the same location where King Henry VIII had his jousting tournaments over 500 years ago. There was also a 41 Gun salute and a flypast by the Royal Air Force.