Trooping The Colour

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: TRH Sophie Countess of Wessex andPrince Edward, The Earl of Wessex leave Buckingham Palace in a horse drawn carriage as she heads down horseguards parade during the Trooping of the Colour on June 13, 2009 in London, England. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. In 1748, it was decided that the parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign. More than 600 guardsmen and cavalry make up the parade, a celebration of the Sovereign's official birthday, although the Queen's actual birthday is on 21 April. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)