Trooping the Colour

All things British come together for the Queen's Birthday Parade with horse-drawn carriages on the Mall, marching bands, polished buttons and military excellence.

This year, Trooping The Colour marks Her Majesty The Queen's 75th official birthday and the BBC steps out with military precision to capture all the splendour of the occasion.

The tradition dates back to the 18th century when the colours or flags of the battalions were carried through the ranks of soldiers so that they knew which standard to rally to in battle. It is always carried by a junior member of the regiment on whom the pressure is immense. Each year, one regiment of The Queen's Household Division is given the opportunity to troop their Colour for their Colonel in Chief - The Queen.

This year, the honour falls to Nijmegen Company who are trooping the Colour of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards that has a special significance. The Royal Colonel of the Grenadier Guards is HRH Duke of Edinburgh who celebrates his 80th birthday the week before Trooping The Colour.

Away from the ceremony, the Guards are often in the frontline of military operations. The BBC reflects some of the significant Battle Honours as they appear on the Colour

The Guards have to pass two reviews before they are allowed to be presented to The Queen. There can be no rehearsals for the BBC production team who only have one chance to capture the moment when Her Majesty receives the salute.