TROOPING THE COLOUR CELEBRATING THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY IN ROYAL STYLE

The four-day Jubilee weekend began with Trooping the Colour, which refers to a regimental flag, or "colour," that is trooped through the ranks. It was an event that also gave us enchanting images of some of our youngest Royals...

Britain’s annual tradition for the Queen’s birthday is a ceremonial re-enactment of the way battle flags were once shown to soldiers to make sure they would recognise a crucial rallying point if they became disoriented in combat.

Each year a different unit in the army’s Household Division has the honour of trooping its colour. The 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards took the spotlight during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee.

Before the event, tributes poured in for the monarch. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on your remarkable Platinum Jubilee. The whole country, Commonwealth and world thank you for your unwavering duty and service. Vivat Regina Elizabetha! God Save The Queen!”

Former Prime Minister John Major said the monarch’s stoic presence had helped steer the country over the decades. “The Queen has represented our better selves for over 70 years,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Queen “the golden thread that binds our two countries” and one of “very few constants” on the international stage.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama recalled the Queen’s “grace and generosity” during his first visit to the Palace. He said he had “learned so much from seeing the example she set for all of us who have the privilege to serve.”

“Your life has been a gift, not just to the United Kingdom but to the world,” Obama said in a video message, adding: “May the light of your crown continue to reign supreme.”