Royal fans are just learning how ‘important’ Trooping the Colour got its name | Royal | News

Royal fans will know that this weekend marks the Trooping the Colour parade, which all the working royals are expected to attend, much to the delight of many hoping to spot them.

It’s one of the most well-loved events in the royal calendar, and the sovereign’s birthday parade is set to take place in London at Horse Guards Parade on Saturday (June 14), with thousands of royal fans expected to flood the Mall to celebrate the important event.

For those confused because King Charles’ actual birthday is in November, it’s worth noting that the June parade is a longstanding tradition, as it’s more likely better weather can ensure everyone present can enjoy the events.

A huge military event and procession will kick off the celebrations. The day will be topped off with a balcony appearance by senior royals and a stunning flypast by the RAF, and people are getting excited.

But where exactly did the Trooping the Colour name come from? Some curious Redditors were wondering when they posted on the forum asking: “Can someone explain what Trooping the Colour is? Everyone keeps on talking about this event. As a person of the USA I have never heard of this event until a few months ago. Why is it so important?”

Why is it called Trooping the Colour?

According to The Household Division, “Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as ‘Colours’ because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units”.

The role of a regiment’s Colours was to “provide a rallying point on the battlefield” as “it was all too easy for troops to become disoriented and separated from their unit during conflict”.

If the troops knew what their Colours looked like, they would “display them regularly” and “the way in which this was done was for young officers to march in between the ranks of troops formed up in lines with the Colours held high”. This is where the word ‘trooping’ comes from.

So, what has become an important tradition with an air of pomp and circumstance actually started life as a very practical way to help “unit recognition before a battle commenced”.

They note that “today, this colourful spectacular remains a celebration of the Sovereign’s official birthday,” which is set to be celebrated this weekend.

Royal superfan Miranda Holder referred to Trooping of the Colour as “fantastic” and “majestic,” sharing that it marks the official birthday of the sovereign, and has done for the last 261 years.

She continued: “The tradition was started by King George II in 1748 when he combined his birthday with the annual summer military march, during which, all the different regiments would show off their flags so the troops would recognise each other during battle”.

Miranda explained that over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians usually make up the participants, referring to it as an “exceptional display with military precision” and she said that Brits can be “proud of” it.

Miranda shared that her favourite part of the festivities is the “balcony appearance” as it gets royal fans “rather excited”.

In the comments of her TikTok, one royal fan wrote: “You guys in the UK can definitely be proud… the young royals would definitely make the late Queen proud”.