You may not have even picked it up in the news but Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday was in fact yesterday April the 21st!

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on the 21st of April 1926. Known simply as ‘Her Majesty’ to you and I, the Queen is fortunate to be able to celebrate her birthday twice a year; on the 21st of April and on a Saturday in June when she celebrates her coronation ceremony in her annual birthday parade, officially known as ‘The Trooping of the Colour’.

The ceremony occurs on a sunnier Saturday in June, where the Queen is joined by members of the Royal Family, invited guests as well as members of the public. The parade  is carried out by foot guards and the calvary on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, which is located close to Buckingham Palace here in London.

Next time you’re visiting London as part of our London Tours, make sure to see Horse Guards Parade, it is one of the largest open spaces in central London. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, this famous birthday venue of the monarch was also used as a one off venue during the 2012 London Olympic games – for the beach volleyball!

View Footage from Queen’s Birthday Ceremony ‘The Trooping of the Colour’ below: