Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
While the Queen was born in April, her official birthday isn't celebrated until June, when it is marked with a parade known as Trooping the Colour. The grand annual event is traditionally marked with huge crowds lining the streets of London, a military demonstration, carriage procession, and finally, with the entire extended royal family up on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
But, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced a change in plans this year. And today, the Queen is celebrating her 94th birthday with a scaled-down (though no less jubilant) ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she has been socially distancing for months now. Read on to see all the best photos of the day.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
The ceremony this morning was put on by soldiers from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who are currently on Guard at Windsor Castle.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Queen Elizabeth is seen arriving at the ceremony, accompanied by Vice Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Vernon.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
A smile from the Queen as she marks her 94th birthday.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
A closer look at the Queen's outfit. Her brooch is the diamond leek Welsh Guards brooch, a small tribute to the regiment parading for her today.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Earlier this year, it was announced that the traditional Trooping the Colour could not go on as planned because of social distancing requirements, and today's event was found to be a suitable alternative.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
The Queen was greeted by a royal salute upon arrival, then she watched a number of military drills while a Band of the Household Division played
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Here's a view of the ceremony from above.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
The entire event was designed to keep social distancing requirements in mind, and the public was not allowed to attend.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Here, a closer look at members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who have been stationed at Windsor Castle during the coronavirus pandemic.
Trooping the Colour, Queen Elizabeth's Official Birthday, Looked a Little Different This Year
Music during the ceremony was performed by a Band of the Household Division, and songs included "God Save the Queen."
The ceremony was scaled down because of the pandemic, but no less celebratory.