Britain's Prince Charles, left, and Prince William ride their horses as they escort Queen Elizabeth II, leaving to attend the Trooping the Colour parade, in central London, Saturday, June 14, 2014. Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her birthday with traditional pomp and circumstance. More than 1,000 soldiers, horses and musicians are taking part in the parade known as “Trooping the Colour,” an annual ceremony.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
June 14, 2014 - 7:14 AM
LONDON - Hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial dress have marched in London in the annual "Trooping the Color" parade to mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen and her husband Prince Philip rode in a vintage horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace, inspecting more than 1,000 soldiers in a traditional display of pomp and pageantry. Many of the troops wore tall bearskin hats and red military tunics for Saturday's ceremony.
"Trooping the Color" originated from traditional preparations for battle, when flags were carried or "trooped" down the rank for soldiers to see.
The queen turned 88 on April 21, her actual birth date, which is usually celebrated in private. The monarch traditionally marks her birthday publicly in June.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014