where the crowds are ready for a hugely significant historic event that dates back more than two centuries. this is trooping the colour, as we mark the king's official birthday. all five regiments of the fog cards making their way onto centre stage. —— the footguards. led by the irish wolfhound known as seamus, the regimental mascot of the irish guards. because this year, it is number nine company irish guards who have the honour of providing the escort and trooping their colour. and with them comes the musical flair of the pipes and drums. we have a real treat in store. in about 15 minutes, his majesty the king will set off from buckingham palace for his second birthday parade as monarch and he will be accompanied by other members of the royal family. there is huge excitement around that. we can offer a number of ways to enjoy our coverage this morning. we have audio described commentary for those who are blind or partially sighted, that is via the red button. and you can find uninterrupted commentary free coverage on iplayer. however you are watching this morning, events will conclude after the ceremony of trooping the colour, with the much anticipated royal balcony appearance ahead of the spectacular royal air force fly—past. the red tunics and the bearskins of the foot guard regiments are synonymous with these great national occasions. but away from ceremonial duty, these are front—line soldiers. let's find out just how to prepare a birthday parade fit for a king and indeed, what makes the irish guards so distinct. 50 what makes the irish guards so distinct. , , ,, ., , , distinct. so this is seamus, he is four years _ distinct. so this is seamus, he is four years old. — distinct. so this is seamus, he is four years old, seamus - distinct. so this is seamus, he is four years old, seamus is - distinct. so this is seamus, he is four years old, seamus is very i four years old, seamus is very important to the regiment, he read —— represents the irish guards on ceremonial duties, he is very popular among the troops and when they see him on parade, it brings a big smile to every bone. the they see him on parade, it brings a big smile to every bone.— big smile to every bone. the irish guards is unique _ big smile to every bone. the irish guards is unique with _ big smile to every bone. the irish guards is unique with a _ big smile to every bone. the irish guards is unique with a great - big smile to every bone. the irish guards is unique with a great mixj big smile to every bone. the irish i guards is unique with a great mix of north_ guards is unique with a great mix of north and _ guards is unique with a great mix of north and south of ireland, liverpool, birmingham and london and a variety— liverpool, birmingham and london and a variety of— liverpool, birmingham and london and a variety of people from all over the commonwealth. in the irish guards, — the commonwealth. in the irish guards, we are all part of the family — guards, we are all part of the family i _ guards, we are all part of the famil . ., ., ., , family. i am from fi'i and very excited for t family. i am from fiji and very excited for trooping _ family. i am from fiji and very excited for trooping the - family. i am from fiji and very i excited for trooping the colour. family. i am from fiji and very - excited for trooping the colour. it is an _ excited for trooping the colour. it is an honour — excited for trooping the colour. it is an honour and _ excited for trooping the colour. it is an honour and privilege - excited for trooping the colour. it is an honour and privilege to - is an honour and privilege to represent _ is an honour and privilege to represent the _ is an honour and privilege to represent the irish _ is an honour and privilege to represent the irish guards. i is an honour and privilege to . represent the irish guards. we is an honour and privilege to represent the irish guards. we all look out for _ represent the irish guards. we all look out for each _ represent the irish guards. we all look out for each other _ represent the irish guards. we all look out for each other and - represent the irish guards. we all look out for each other and we - represent the irish guards. we all i look out for each other and we think that somebody is failing iffy, we -ive that somebody is failing iffy, we give them a bit of encouragement. every— give them a bit of encouragement. every regiment is different, everyone has their own pride. we are the irish guards and we have that extra bit of swagger. it is long hours, mornings until evenings. eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, _ eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six _ eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six hours _ eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six hours a - eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six hours a day, - eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six hours a day, it. eight weeks of hard work. on the drill square, six hours a day, it is extremely— drill square, six hours a day, it is extremely taxing _ drill square, six hours a day, it is extremely taxing on _ drill square, six hours a day, it is extremely taxing on the - drill square, six hours a day, it is extremely taxing on the body. i drill square, six hours a day, it is. extremely taxing on the body. the rison -- extremely taxing on the body. prison —— precision on the extremely taxing on the body. tip; prison —— precision on the day extremely taxing on the body. prison —— precision on the day is non—negotiable, we need to be the sharpest— non—negotiable, we need to be the sharpest and the best we can be. within— sharpest and the best we can be. within the — sharpest and the best we can be. within the ranks, we have troops that it _ within the ranks, we have troops that it is — within the ranks, we have troops that it is their first king's birthday parade and for them to come on this— birthday parade and for them to come on thisjourney with birthday parade and for them to come on this journey with us as a proud ntonrent— on this journey with us as a proud moment for— on this journey with us as a proud moment for them. i on this journey with us as a proud moment for them.— on this journey with us as a proud moment for them. i am 18 years old, the youngest — moment for them. i am 18 years old, the youngest on _ moment for them. i am 18 years old, the youngest on the _ moment for them. i am 18 years old, the youngest on the colour _ moment for them. i am 18 years old, the youngest on the colour this - the youngest on the colour this year, your arms get heavy after a few hours, but it will be really special for me to mark past the king. special for me to mark past the kin. ~ , , special for me to mark past the kinu. ~ , , , ., , special for me to mark past the kinu. g , , king. my first trip, i was a guardsman _ king. my first trip, i was a guardsman in _ king. my first trip, i was a guardsman in the - king. my first trip, i was a guardsman in the ranks i king. my first trip, i was a i guardsman in the ranks and i remember clearly going round the square _ remember clearly going round the square for— remember clearly going round the square for six weeks, sol remember clearly going round the square for six weeks, so i know the pain the _ square for six weeks, so i know the pain the troops are going through. when _ pain the troops are going through. when the — pain the troops are going through. when the lads put on the tunic and chest— when the lads put on the tunic and chest pumped out, they grow six inches _ chest pumped out, they grow six inches for— chest pumped out, they grow six inches. fora chest pumped out, they grow six inches. for a young irish guards, chest pumped out, they grow six inches. fora young irish guards, it should _ inches. fora young irish guards, it should he — inches. fora young irish guards, it should be one of his proudest moments of being in the regiment, especially— moments of being in the regiment, especially when he marches past his majesty— especially when he marches past his majesty the king. and especially when he marches past his majesty the king-— majesty the king. and on the day in ical irish majesty the king. and on the day in typical irish guards _ majesty the king. and on the day in typical irish guards tradition, - majesty the king. and on the day in typical irish guards tradition, it - typical irish guards tradition, it will be a perfect parade. 51am typical irish guards tradition, it will be a perfect parade. such a aood will be a perfect parade. such a good insight — will be a perfect parade. such a good insight to _ will be a perfect parade. such a good insight to the _ will be a perfect parade. such a good insight to the irish - will be a perfect parade. such a good insight to the irish guards will be a perfect parade. such a - good insight to the irish guards and the personalities of some of those on parade. for the second year running, all five regiments in the foot guards are represented here on parade. number nine company irish guards with their distinctive plumes of irish blue providing number one guard known as the escort and they are led by captain of the escort. number two guard provided by grenadier guards. f company scots guards make up number three guard. numberfour and five gods guards make up number three guard. number four and five gods comprised of 4th battalion welsh guards easily spotted by the green and white plumes representing a leek. an coldstream guards provide number six guard. i am going today by a special guard. i am going today by a special guard who serve —— special guest who served with the irish guards for more than 30 years and was their commanding officer, major general sir christopher ghika and. good mornin: , sir christopher ghika and. good morning. great _ sir christopher ghika and. good morning, great to _ sir christopher ghika and. good morning, great to be _ sir christopher ghika and. good morning, great to be with - sir christopher ghika and. (13mm morning, great to be with you. sir christopher ghika and. good - morning, great to be with you. and ou are morning, great to be with you. and you are uniquely positioned to give an insight into the regiment and events of today. it is an insight into the regiment and events of today.— events of today. it is a slightly different perspective, - events of today. it is a slightly different perspective, but - events of today. it is a slightly different perspective, but i - events of today. it is a slightly i different perspective, but ijoined with a lot of irish guards men all over the world in looking forward to a great parade this morning. lintiii a great parade this morning. until 2023, who held _ a great parade this morning. until 2023, who held the _ a great parade this morning. until 2023, who held the post a major general commanding position. i did. general commanding position. i did, my viewooint — general commanding position. i did, my viewpoint might _ general commanding position. i did, my viewpoint might have _ general commanding position. i c it my viewpoint might have changed, but some things don't change and that is the hard work and professionalism and teamwork required to deliver a first—rate performance. it and teamwork required to deliver a first-rate performance.— first-rate performance. it has already been _ first-rate performance. it has already been a _ first-rate performance. it has already been a big _ first-rate performance. it has already been a big week- first-rate performance. it has already been a big week for. first-rate performance. it has i already been a big week for the irish guards, number nine company in particular. a, irish guards, number nine company in articular. �* , irish guards, number nine company in articular. . , ., ., , irish guards, number nine company in articular. . , ., ,, . ., particular. a big moment was special residence and _ particular. a big moment was special residence and with _ particular. a big moment was special residence and with us _ particular. a big moment was special residence and with us on _ particular. a big moment was special residence and with us on monday - particular. a big moment was special residence and with us on monday at. residence and with us on monday at windsor, the king presented them with new colours which they are tripping today. you with new colours which they are tripping today-— with new colours which they are tripping today. you are being very modest because _ tripping today. you are being very modest because you _ tripping today. you are being very modest because you are - tripping today. you are being very modest because you are with - tripping today. you are being very l modest because you are with there. tripping today. you are being very . modest because you are with there. i was and it was wonderful day and a great family day for the irish guards. , ., , ., guards. -- you were there. these are cool and damp _ guards. -- you were there. these are cool and damp conditions, _ guards. -- you were there. these are cool and damp conditions, the - cool and damp conditions, the spot—on for what needs to be done today? i spot-on for what needs to be done toda ? ., ., , ., spot-on for what needs to be done toda ? ., .,, ., .,, spot-on for what needs to be done toda ? ., ., , ., ., , ., today? i would, as long as the rain sta s off, today? i would, as long as the rain stays off. we _ today? i would, as long as the rain stays off, we are _ today? i would, as long as the rain stays off, we are here _ today? i would, as long as the rain stays off, we are here for - today? i would, as long as the rain stays off, we are here for a - today? i would, as long as the rain stays off, we are here for a perfect parade, not too warm and something to drive the troops forward. there are more than _ to drive the troops forward. there are more than 1,000 _ to drive the troops forward. there are more than 1,000 troops - to drive the troops forward. there are more than 1,000 troops on i to drive the troops forward. there are more than 1,000 troops on horse guards parade and the man in charge todayis guards parade and the man in charge today is the commanding officer of london central garrison, left turn on journal london central garrison, left turn onjournal —— lieutenant london central garrison, left turn on journal —— lieutenant colonel james colby. field officer in brigades waiting is his formal title and early this morning, he spoke to us. before the music and the majesty gets under way, this is where the final preparations happen at the stables behind horse guards parade. james, for the first time ever, you are about to ride out as commanding officer. what is going through your head? . , officer. what is going through your head? ., , ., ,, ., head? that is deathless and pre-match _ head? that is deathless and pre-match nerves. - head? that is deathless and pre-match nerves. we - head? that is deathless and pre-match nerves. we have| head? that is deathless and - pre-match nerves. we have done the pre—match nerves. we have done the rehearsais, _ pre—match nerves. we have done the rehearsals, we have done it numerous times, _ rehearsals, we have done it numerous times, it _ rehearsals, we have done it numerous times, it has— rehearsals, we have done it numerous times, it has gone really well so far and — times, it has gone really well so far and i— times, it has gone really well so far and i know everyone will deliver _ far and i know everyone will deliver. deep down, i hope the weather— deliver. deep down, i hope the weather will blow over for the next few minutes and if it doesn't come at these _ few minutes and if it doesn't come at these things happen. the parade will be brilliant. _ at these things happen. the parade will be brilliant. it— at these things happen. the parade will be brilliant. it really _ at these things happen. the parade will be brilliant. it really is, - at these things happen. the parade will be brilliant. it really is, it - will be brilliant. it really is, it is a team effort and a bit friendship because this is your friend. , , , [k friend. onyx. onyx is 18, next trumpeters — friend. onyx. onyx is 18, next trumpeters horse _ friend. onyx. onyx is 18, next trumpeters horse who - friend. onyx. onyx is 18, next trumpeters horse who likes i friend. onyx. onyx is 18, nextj trumpeters horse who likes to friend. onyx. onyx is 18, next- trumpeters horse who likes to run, which _ trumpeters horse who likes to run, which is _ trumpeters horse who likes to run, which is possibly my biggest challenge. every time i have to trot, _ challenge. every time i have to trot, she — challenge. every time i have to trot, she prefers to go a bit faster. _ trot, she prefers to go a bit faster, but that is fine, i would rather— faster, but that is fine, i would rather a — faster, but that is fine, i would rather a horse with fire and she does _ rather a horse with fire and she does a — rather a horse with fire and she does a brilliantjob rather a horse with fire and she does a brilliant job with me. rather a horse with fire and she does a brilliantjob with me. we were _ does a brilliantjob with me. we were on— does a brilliantjob with me. we were on the parade last year together— were on the parade last year together as well so a nice touch. we cannot together as well so a nice touch. cannot wait to together as well so a nice touch. - cannot wait to see both out there and go well today.— cannot wait to see both out there and go well today. thank you very much indeed. _ and go well today. thank you very much indeed. she _ and go well today. thank you very much indeed. she really - and go well today. thank you very much indeed. she really is - and go well today. thank you very i much indeed. she really is stunning. so far standing _ much indeed. she really is stunning. so far standing stock _ much indeed. she really is stunning. so far standing stock still _ much indeed. she really is stunning. so far standing stock still and - so far standing stock still and really playing up to the role with lieutenant coloneljames kolbe, lieutenant colonel james kolbe, commanding lieutenant coloneljames kolbe, commanding officer of today's parade. the bands of the household division are also now in place, the musician is an integral part of today and musically speaking, there is an irish flavour in the air today. is an irish flavour in the air toda . , . ., �* , today. the music for the king's birthday parade _ today. the music for the king's birthday parade has _ today. the music for the king's birthday parade has a - today. the music for the king's birthday parade has a real - today. the music for the king's i birthday parade has a real vibrancy this year. it has an irish flavour, most definitely. having the pipes and drums on parade gives it that unique lift. for and drums on parade gives it that uniuue lift. ., , and drums on parade gives it that unique lift-— unique lift. for the irish, music is like water — unique lift. for the irish, music is like water and _ unique lift. for the irish, music is like water and air. _ unique lift. for the irish, music is like water and air. we _ unique lift. for the irish, music is like water and air. we cannot i unique lift. for the irish, music is i like water and air. we cannot escape it and _ like water and air. we cannot escape it and we _ like water and air. we cannot escape it and we cannot live without it. most _ it and we cannot live without it. most of— it and we cannot live without it. most of the band members are lads from the _ most of the band members are lads from the island, whether it be north or south _ from the island, whether it be north or south. the from the island, whether it be north or south. , , , ., , or south. the pipes and drums feel like art or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of— or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of the _ or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of the regiment _ or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of the regiment for - or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of the regiment for a - or south. the pipes and drums feel like part of the regiment for a very| like part of the regiment for a very lon- like part of the regiment for a very long time, — like part of the regiment for a very long time, so— like part of the regiment for a very long time, so it _ like part of the regiment for a very long time, so it is _ like part of the regiment for a very long time, so it is very— like part of the regiment for a very long time, so it is very important. long time, so it is very important especially— long time, so it is very important especially because _ long time, so it is very important especially because it _ long time, so it is very important especially because it is _ long time, so it is very important especially because it is an - long time, so it is very important especially because it is an irish i especially because it is an irish guards — especially because it is an irish guards troop~ _ especially because it is an irish guards troop. it _ especially because it is an irish guards troop. it is _ especially because it is an irish guards troop. it is a _ especially because it is an irish guards troop. it is a bit - especially because it is an irish guards troop. it is a bit of- especially because it is an irish i guards troop. it is a bit of home. music— guards troop. it is a bit of home. music for— guards troop. it is a bit of home. music for the _ guards troop. it is a bit of home. music for the king's _ guards troop. it is a bit of home. music for the king's birthday - guards troop. it is a bit of home. i music for the king's birthday parade is really essential. not only is it time beating which allows soldiers to keep step, it also allows the troops to focus, to be inspired and deliver their best. i troops to focus, to be inspired and deliver their best.— deliver their best. i run the trainin: deliver their best. i run the training for— deliver their best. i run the training for the _ deliver their best. i run the training for the pipes - deliver their best. i run the training for the pipes and l deliver their best. i run the i training for the pipes and lead deliver their best. i run the - training for the pipes and lead them on parade — training for the pipes and lead them on parade. it is not easy, i have been _ on parade. it is not easy, i have been playing pipes for 21 years and some _ been playing pipes for 21 years and some guys— been playing pipes for 21 years and some guys in the parade have only been _ some guys in the parade have only been playing for eight months. it has got _ been playing for eight months. it has got to— been playing for eight months. it has got to be as close to perfect as possible. _ has got to be as close to perfect as possible, so to do what they are doing _ possible, so to do what they are doing on— possible, so to do what they are doing on parade is very difficult. everyone — doing on parade is very difficult. everyone thinks it isjust purely a scottish— everyone thinks it isjust purely a scottish instrument. _ everyone thinks it isjust purely a scottish instrument. these - everyone thinks it isjust purely a i scottish instrument. these bagpipes are so— scottish instrument. these bagpipes are so important— scottish instrument. these bagpipes are so important to _ scottish instrument. these bagpipes are so important to us _ scottish instrument. these bagpipes are so important to us because - scottish instrument. these bagpipesl are so important to us because music has always— are so important to us because music has always been— are so important to us because music has always been in— are so important to us because music has always been in our— are so important to us because music has always been in our blood - are so important to us because music has always been in our blood and - has always been in our blood and bones _ has always been in our blood and bones the — has always been in our blood and bones. the irish— has always been in our blood and bones. the irish guards- has always been in our blood and bones. the irish guards always i has always been in our blood and i bones. the irish guards always bring the best— bones. the irish guards always bring the best of— bones. the irish guards always bring the best of the — bones. the irish guards always bring the best of the best _ bones. the irish guards always bring the best of the best every _ bones. the irish guards always bring the best of the best every time. - bones. the irish guards always bring the best of the best every time. it. the best of the best every time. it is the best of the best every time. is tough to deliver perfection on the king's birthday parade, but we all aim to do it collectively as one. i all aim to do it collectively as one. ., ,., ., ., " all aim to do it collectively as one. ., ., ., ., one. i am so looking forward to heafina one. i am so looking forward to hearing the _ one. i am so looking forward to hearing the pipes _ one. i am so looking forward to hearing the pipes and - one. i am so looking forward to hearing the pipes and drums i one. i am so looking forward to hearing the pipes and drums of| one. i am so looking forward to i hearing the pipes and drums of the irish guards, the massed bands of the household division are raring to go. and they are led by lieutenant colonel stuart halliday who we heard from. this is his first birthday parade as commanding officer. and there we see the king's troop artillery resplendent with their magnificent guns in the background, they took their places a few moment —— a few moments ago. and meanwhile, down at buckingham palace, we await the departure of the first carriages carrying members of the royal family. sovereign �*s escort advising the two regiments of the household cavalry, the lifeguards in the foreground, the blues and royals, waiting to accompany the king to his birthday parade. chris, an opportunity to ask you why this day is so special. opportunity to ask you why this day is so special-— is so special. because i think it is an opportunity — is so special. because i think it is an opportunity to _ is so special. because i think it is an opportunity to deliver- is so special. because i think it is an opportunity to deliver a - is so special. because i think it is i an opportunity to deliver a personal tribute to the colonel in chief from the household troops. all of us have been privileged to be part of this house division and feel this really strongly. we are also conscious it is a national and international spectacle, in which we take real pride. but at its heart, it is a compliment to the sovereign and his official birthday from his household troops. official birthday from his household troo s. �* , ., troops. and the first of the carriages _ troops. and the first of the carriages carrying - troops. and the first of the carriages carrying senior. troops. and the first of the - carriages carrying senior members of the royal family set off for the half mile journey along the mall. national anthem plays. because of the weather and it was raining quite heavily half an hour ago, the cover is up on the carriage. but i promise you that in lemon, that is the duchess of edinburgh, alongside the duke of kent. and lady louise windsor is the one braving the elements and wearing blue. and in the carriage behind, we have the duke and duchess of gloucester. and vice admiral sir timothy laurence. his wife, the princess royal, will be riding on parade. huge crowds gathered right along the mall and can indeed come here on horse guards. and the duchess of edinburgh's husband, the duke of edinburgh prince husband took over the colonel save the scots guards from the duke of kent in a few months ago. the duke of kent served in that role for 50 years. —— took over being colonel of the scots guards. and lady louise currently studying at st andrews university and reading english. and really enjoying her time in the kingdom of fife. you see the street line is charged with guarding the processional route from buckingham palace to horse guards parade —— street liners. underthe palace to horse guards parade —— street liners. under the command of lieutenant colonel andrew breach, commanding officer of 1st battalion welsh guards. chris, the street liners play a crucial role. absolutely, when the word for the vital work done by the street liners. first out unless back in. there is role —— their role is to be a symbolic and very real guarantee of the security of the route the king takes, drawn from all five foot guard regiments including the london guards, based here in the capital. is this procession heads for horse guards parade, all eyes return to buckingham palace as his majesty the king prepares to depart for his second birthday parade as monarch. his majesty the king and her majesty the queen in the scottish state coach. and in the second carriage, the wonderful and welcome sight of her royal highness princess of wales. along with prince george, princess charlotte and prince louis, it is the first time we have seen the princess of wales in public this year. and a sign of how important this day is to the royal family. and as colonel of the irish guards, a sign of how strongly the princess of wales felt about being here for them because it will mean a lot to them, chris. . , ,., , because it will mean a lot to them, chris. . ,,., , ., , because it will mean a lot to them, chris. , ., , , ., , chris. absolutely, all irish guards are hugely _ chris. absolutely, all irish guards are hugely proud _ chris. absolutely, all irish guards are hugely proud when _ chris. absolutely, all irish guards are hugely proud when the - chris. absolutely, all irish guards are hugely proud when the king i are hugely proud when the king appointed the princess of wales to be our colonel in 2023 and it is brilliant to see her out and watching her own regiment this morning. it will be a massive tonic and a lift to everybody on parade. the king and queen in this glorious carriage, very suitable for the weather and glass sided so the crowds can see them. and the king charles iii, his second birthday parade as monarch. he first attended two as a two—year—old in 1951, so he has watched on or taken part in this parade for more than 70 years. —— attended as. you can hear the cheering and he will take his place as head of all seven regiments on division today. the princess royal on the right is a very good horsewoman. and that may be needed today. because also riding in the sovereign's possession, the familiar sight of the other royal kernels. —— procession. the princess of wales acknowledging the crowd and she said how touched she has been by the kind messages she has received and the strength of support. just wonderful to see the family. and the prince of wales of course is riding as colonel of the welsh guards. prince william having followed in his father's footsteps, the king was colonel of the regiment for nearly 50 years. you see the royal colonels and i mentioned prince of wales, the duke of edinburgh riding in the uniform of edinburgh riding in the uniform of the scots guards and the princess royal riding in the uniform of the blues and royals in her 26 year as colonel of the regiment. —— 26th year. up in horse guards parade, number three god has made way for the care —— for the first carriage procession as they pass under the 56 flags of the commonwealth nations —— number three god. and the musicians of the massed bands. they will make their way to the major general�*s office, from where they will observe the parade. but look at this for a site. that really is magnificent, isn't it? and led by the two great carriage horses. king charles iii. inside the scottish coach. and leading them is the brigade major of the household division, lieutenant coloneljames shaw of the grenadier guards flanked by four troopers of the lifeguards and the blues and royals. and they have been chosen from the regiment�*s smartest turned out to troopers. they are followed by the mounted band the household cavalry. —— smartest turned out troopers. and the sovereign �*s escort. the tradition of escorting the sovereign up to horse guards parade was introduced by king charles the six the king's grandfather in 1937. —— king charles vi. and we can see the king is wearing the tunic of the guard of the irish guards, the sovereign where which have's colour is being trooped. —— the sovereign wears whichever�*s colour. this is lieutenant colonel shaw's third and final parade in this role, it is a tenure that has been remarkably busy and has seen him lead the procession is for the platinum jubilee, the funeral of the late queen and the coronation of his majesty the king. and we caught up with him ahead of the day's events. mr; and we caught up with him ahead of the day's events.— the day's events. my primary role is to ensure the _ the day's events. my primary role is to ensure the king _ the day's events. my primary role is to ensure the king arrives _ the day's events. my primary role is to ensure the king arrives at - the day's events. my primary role is to ensure the king arrives at horse | to ensure the king arrives at horse guards at exactly 11 o'clock at high pressure, but exciting role at the same time. pressure, but exciting role at the same time-— pressure, but exciting role at the same time. ., ., a, same time. you ride down the mall committee — same time. you ride down the mall committee stretched _ same time. you ride down the mall committee stretched out _ same time. you ride down the mall committee stretched out in - same time. you ride down the mall committee stretched out in front i same time. you ride down the mall committee stretched out in front ofj committee stretched out in front of you, admiralty arch at the end and you, admiralty arch at the end and you are hit by the flags flying. this sea of colour. and the noise of the clout —— crowd clapping and cheering the entire way. it is the most amazing experience and one i wish i could bottle and share with everyone. i am sad it is my last one, i will miss these huge special days, but it has been a remarkable experience and i am hugely grateful for it. , ., for it. chris, quite a responsibility i for it. chris, quite a responsibility on i for it. chris, quite a| responsibility on his for it. chris, quite a _ responsibility on his shoulders and you worked closely with lieutenant colonel shaw in your time as major general. i colonel shaw in your time as ma'or general. ., ., , ., ., general. i did, over the last two or three years- _ general. i did, over the last two or three years. his _ general. i did, over the last two or three years. his job _ general. i did, over the last two or three years. his job is _ general. i did, over the last two or three years. his job is to _ general. i did, over the last two or three years. his job is to lead i general. i did, over the last two or three years. his job is to lead the l three years. his job is to lead the team who put their huge events together and he has had the most demanding tour in this role. but he is a consummate professional and appointed by the king for his service. a proud moment on his last birthday parade as brigade major. and the king will be delighted to be able to share this with such a large gathering and also, it is all about the connection between the sovereign and his troops. the connection between the sovereign and his trom— and his troops. absolutely, the relationship — and his troops. absolutely, the relationship between _ and his troops. absolutely, the relationship between the - and his troops. absolutely, the i relationship between the colonel and his troops. absolutely, the - relationship between the colonel in chief and his household troops is far more than symbolism, he takes a huge interest away from the pomp of days like this and he pays highly valued visits to regiments to meet soldiers and their families. he valued visits to regiments to meet soldiers and theirfamilies. he is viewed as an integral part of every regiment and it is such a proud moment for irish guards to see him wearing his uniform on the way to the birthday parade this morning. and there we have a closer look at the royal colonels and the princess royal on the right. as i mentioned earlier, a really experienced equestrian, european open champion in eventing. and not easy to ride on parade in uniform for anyone and we have an awful lot of people riding today. but the princess royal as i mentioned in the uniform of the blues and royals. the duke of edinburgh and the prince of wales as well. we get a good shot there of the younger royals. prince louis waving back to the crowds. and prince louis now is six years old. a real character. i think this cooler weather helps notjust i think this cooler weather helps not just those on foot who we see i think this cooler weather helps notjust those on foot who we see on horse guards parade, but also those riding because the horses can be a little more settled. as long as the wind doesn't get up and under their tails, they will be fine. and the king is in a sense limiting public appearances, but very much wanting to be there as often as he can and probably more than might be advised. but on the 5th ofjune, the king and queen and the prince of wales attended four anniversary event at portsmouth and the king made a speech paying tribute to the veterans at d—day and the next day, theyjoined world leaders and veterans at a series of events in france to mark the anniversary of the 42 landings. king made a speech and laid a wreath with a note attached touching on the sacrifices made at d—day. —— to mark the anniversary of the d—day landings. lifeguards making their way around that final turn beneath the flags of the commonwealth nations. just a word on the princess of wales and the fact she is colonel of the irish guards. i know she took time to visit them in training in salisbury plain, chris. she really did. on salisbury _ salisbury plain, chris. she really did. on salisbury plain - salisbury plain, chris. she really did. on salisbury plain last- salisbury plain, chris. she really. did. on salisbury plain last winter, it was snowing and the wind was going sideways, it was well below zero, but she spent several hours at an exercise looking at the training the troops were conducting, taking part herself and chatting to ask many people as she could. a really fantastic opening statement for her about her involvement and how she wanted to take an interest in everything we did. find wanted to take an interest in everything we did.— wanted to take an interest in everything we did. and this is something — everything we did. and this is something i _ everything we did. and this is something i know _ everything we did. and this is something i know that - everything we did. and this is something i know that in - everything we did. and this is i something i know that in terms everything we did. and this is - something i know that in terms of trooping the colour, your relationship goes back with this 30 years, you have had a number of different roles. when you are on parade, how much can you take in what is going on around you? there is no doubt — what is going on around you? there is no doubt that _ what is going on around you? there is no doubt that to _ what is going on around you? there is no doubt that to ray _ what is going on around you? there is no doubt that to ray -- - what is going on around you? there is no doubt that to ray -- today - what is going on around you? j“,, is no doubt that to ray —— today is different to the rehearsals, obviously. really, you are concentrating on your part in the parade and trying to make sure your dressing and focus is correct because you are part of a team. and each individual will work extremely hard on their own particular part to deliver at this amazing team effort. —— to deliver this amazing. the king is wearing the uniform of the irish guards and we will be able to see this more clearly. and that is again something that will make the guardsman incredibly proud. absolutely and you can see the shamrock on the colour on the buttons in a group of four. the first time he has worn the uniform as colonel in chief so a great moment for the irish guards to see the king ride on horse guards in irish guards uniform this morning. the queen has been colonel of the grenadier guards since 2022 and is wearing a grenadier guards military brooch. the senior coachman will shortly salute the colour with his whip. there it is, as the carriage passes the colour party on the parade ground. and the parade begins sharply at 11 o'clock. the royal colonels also saluting the colour. which will be trooped through the ranks a little later. and the princess of wales and prince george and princess charlotte and prince louis will watch from the window of the major general�*s office. the —— the major general�*s office. the —— the king's birthday parade of 2024 is about to begin. royal salute! present arms! # god save our gracious king! # long live our noble king! # god save the king! # send him victorious # happy and glorious # long to reign over us # god save the king! # . guards! shoulder arms! the first section of today's ceremony begins as the princess of wales and her three children make her way to a very good vantage point. the king, the colonels of the regiments, and senior officers inspect the line of guards. and they do expect the high standards.— and they do expect the high standards. , , ., ., ., ., , standards. this is not a formality and the king _ standards. this is not a formality and the king has _ standards. this is not a formality and the king has done _ standards. this is not a formality and the king has done this - standards. this is not a formality and the king has done this a - standards. this is not a formality - and the king has done this a number of times and will be looking very closely and for those on parade it is a personal moment with the king coming very close to you but for him he has an experienced eye checking on the turnout and the drill and a fantastic moment then for everyone on parade. the music this year is full of irish inflections as is the case with this piece, of silk and gold, newly—composed by captain peter brydon, director of music of the irish guards. it depicts the new colours of no 9 company presented just days ago by his majesty the king with their silken fabric and golden thread. music: of silk and gold by captain peter brydon. a change in tempo for welcome to ireland, music arranged by a former director of music of the band of the irish guards major phil shannon. music: failte eireann — welcome to ireland. his majesty now passes the sovereign's standard of the life guards carried by squadron corporal major isireli waisele. this standard was presented by the king to the regimentjust before the coronation. the procession continues past the king's troop royal horse artillery. the saluting battery of his majesty's household troops, they are commanded by majorjohn baileff. the king salutes the lead gun which constitutes the regimental colour. the unmistakeable figure of the major general commanding the household division —james bowder — riding jumping jack and resplendent in swan feathers. he commissioned into the grenadier guards in 1996 and took command in his current role at the end of last year. he shared his thoughts ahead of his first birthday parade. it's certainly my first birthday parade in the role. and unsurprisingly, like so many of the participants, i'm extraordinarily excited. i'm incredibly proud of our soldiers on parade. and i think what they prove to me daily is quite how extraordinary they are. over a seven week period, we've turned combat soldiers into ceremonial soldiers, capable of delivering a parade that is best in class globally. with me still, major general sir christopher ghika, who formerly held the post. and you can give us some insight into the role of major general. he into the role of ma'or general. he is into the role of major general. he: is commander of all the troops on parade today and i know him well as i have worked with him for more than 20 years and he is a very experienced and professional officer in commanding his battalion in afghanistan and he will have used all that experience in the run—up to the parade today. let's take a look at the colour and those charged with guarding it in advance of the ceremony today. the two sentries of the colour party, guardsman vatanitwake and guardsman lee flank the colour sergeant chris enright whose first birthday parade was 20 years ago. and you served alongside each other? such a big moment for colour sergeant chris enright. the only veteran of iraq 2003. and that is embroidered under the star of the order of saint patrick. find embroidered under the star of the order of saint patrick.— order of saint patrick. and 'ust a word on the i order of saint patrick. and 'ust a word on the significance h order of saint patrick. and 'ust a word on the significance of]- order of saint patrick. and just a word on the significance of the l word on the significance of the colour and what the ceremony is all about today? the colour and what the ceremony is all about today?— about today? the colour is the concentrated _ about today? the colour is the concentrated symbol - about today? the colour is the concentrated symbol of - about today? the colour is the concentrated symbol of the . about today? the colour is the - concentrated symbol of the regiment and represents the symbol of the regiment and those who have gone before us, those killed in action and their achievements. literally embroidered on the colour with their battle honours. the parade gets under way in age—old fashion. with the march les huguenots. music: les huguenots. and there is the signal for the massed bands to counter—march given by andrew mercer, taking part in his 22nd birthday parade. massed bands. by the centre. quick march! the senior drum major giving the command for the massed bands. senior drum major gareth chambers of the irish guards, taking part in his final birthday parade. gives the order for a change of pace and a musical transition from old to new with a piece composed specifically for this year's quick troop, the ballyragget. the lone drummer breaks away, drummer david mcdowell, marching to a position to the right of the escort. hejoined the irish guards on st patrick's day ten years ago this year. music: the ballyragget. and this piece, the ballyragget, what is six significance of the name? it what is six significance of the name? , : what is six significance of the name? , ., :, ~ , ., name? it is a town in kilkenny and also a tank— name? it is a town in kilkenny and also a tank in _ name? it is a town in kilkenny and also a tank in the _ name? it is a town in kilkenny and also a tank in the battle _ name? it is a town in kilkenny and also a tank in the battle of- also a tank in the battle of normandy which disabled a german tank earning the driver a military pedal and the commander a military cross. remembered 80 years on from that critical battle with honour. the pipes and drums of the irish guards join the forces of the massed bands. the drummer plays eight bars of a field signal called the drummer�*s call, recalling an age when communication on the battlefield relied upon the drums. the orderly, guardsman ssozi, marches forward to take the pace stick from regimental sergeant major peter swain, who can then draw his sword ready to protect the colour. he is the only warrant officer on parade to draw a sword. stand at ease. escort for the colour. in close order, left dress. the subaltern of the escort lt monty badger gives the orderfor the escort to take up their dressing in close order, a tighterformation for the march—forward to collect the colour. the eyes front perfectly achieved without a word of command. escort for the colour will advance. by the left, quick march! music: the british grenadiers. the escort steps off to the rousing march of the british grenadiers. the escort will march forward and halt i6 paces from the colour party ready for the collection of the colour. halt! in open order. right dress! massed bands will retire. about turn! the massed bands turn about to face the colour party. the senior director of music takes up a new position close to the front. guards, attention. change arms. slope arms. regimental sergeant major peter swain now prepares to take possession of the colour, protecting it with his sword. ready to hand it over safely to the ensign, lieutenant harry winterbottom he hands it to the ensign, lieutenant harry winterbottom. who will troop the colour through the ranks. watching on from the major generals office, prince charlotte, prince george, prince louis and her royal highness the princess of wales. national anthem plays. escort to the colour. slope arms! the ensign and the regimental sergeant major resume their positions within the escort. and the escort for the colour, having taken possession, has now become the escort to the colour. escort to the colour. change arms! escort to the colour will advance. by the centre, slow march. music: escort to the colour. we are approaching the symbolic heart of the day's ceremony, chris. absolutely, we are approaching the moment from which the ceremony takes its name. i was in this in 1996 and i know this is one of the point in the parade which matters most to people in the escort, to trooping the colour in front of their fellow guardsmen. this the colour in front of their fellow guardsmen— the colour in front of their fellow auardsmen. a :, ., . , guardsmen. as it advances in slow time. . . the bands now play escort to the colour, the traditional stepping—off music for this part of the parade for nearly 50 years. if we watch carefully, this is called the spin wheel. the massed bands executing the military equivalent of a three—point turn. something of a move of mystery. absolutely a move of mystery. it is part of a parade which is confusing to anyone who is not a musician or anybody who has not served in the bands. the only way to understand the spin the wheel is to do it because there is no written instruction how to do it, it is passed on by word—of—mouth one generation to the next. one thing thatis generation to the next. one thing that is always the same, they always end up in the right place. guards! present arms! music: the grenadiers slow march. the music changes to the majestic grenadiers slow march as the escort prepares to troop the colour through the ranks. this is a very significant moment for the ensign, lieutenant harry winterbottom. he spoke to us about being accorded the honour of trooping his regiment�*s colour. absolutely delighted to be ensign on this year's king's birthday parade. we've been preparing really hard for it, several months now of training. on the day itself, i'm going to be thinking about a lot. the symbolic and physical weight, we carry a lot of history specifically in the colour. it's got all our battle honours and in it also we remember all those who've fallen. i think no doubt i'll be feeling the weight of that as we march the colour past his majesty the king. my friends and family are really excited for me. they know that this is a job that i really love doing. i think they will also appreciate the irony that growing up i would always avoid the limelight. and here i am on perhaps the biggest military parade of the year. well, very much in the limelight today even if he didn't want to be as a child! : :, . , , as a child! and doing incredibly well, as a child! and doing incredibly well. what _ as a child! and doing incredibly well. what a — as a child! and doing incredibly well, what a special _ as a child! and doing incredibly well, what a special moment . as a child! and doing incredibly| well, what a special moment for harry winterbottom as he troops the colour in front of his fellow guardsmen, and on given to very few young officers. the mission in april 2023, he follows his uncle into the irish guards and on monday i talked to his father at the presentation of colours at windsor and i know how proud his parents, his brothers will be, all watching him from the stands this morning. he be, all watching him from the stands this morning-— this morning. he is very conscious of everything _ this morning. he is very conscious of everything the _ this morning. he is very conscious of everything the colour— this morning. he is very conscious | of everything the colour represents and its history, their colours were last carried into battle in 1881 but now still hugely significant. 1alien;r now still hugely significant. very significant. _ now still hugely significant. very significant, the _ now still hugely significant. very significant, the colours - now still hugely significant. , significant, the colours where the rallying point of the battle and the act of trooping the colour was to show each man what they colour looks like. the tradition has developed every cent and the colour has developed into this. and it is a tribute to the king as he presents the colour is personally as he did on monday at windsor castle. the sun is breakin: on monday at windsor castle. the sun is breaking through _ on monday at windsor castle. the sun is breaking through the _ on monday at windsor castle. the sun is breaking through the crowd -- - on monday at windsor castle. the sun is breaking through the crowd -- the i is breaking through the crowd —— the cloud into this magnificent scene, i think prince louis is enjoying it, and fascinated. don't break that! escort to the colour will advance. left turn! escort to the colour. change arms! escort to the colour. present arms! guards. slope arms! officers take post. quick march! the command given by the field officer for the officers to take post. the colour moves to the rear of the escort. numbers 1 to 5 guards will retire. about turn! guides steady. at the halt. right form. quick march! music: the girl i left behind me. the corps of drums perform the girl i left behind me. music: the girl i left behind me. numbers one to fivej guards will advance. about turn! no.6 guard, close order. march! move to the right in threes. form threes. right! guards will march past| in slow and quick time. by the left. slow march! music: earl alexander of tunis by sgt adam barras. now that the colour has been trooped through the ranks the guards are forming up for the march past. all six guards will march past the king in slow and quick time. the massed bands currently playing a new neutral slow march. written specially for this year's parade by sgt adam barras. it is called earl alexander of tunis. it it is called earl alexander of tunis. , : , it is called earl alexander of tunis. , :, , :, tunis. it is a tribute to the most successful _ tunis. it is a tribute to the most successful irish _ tunis. it is a tribute to the most successful irish guardsmen - tunis. it is a tribute to the most successful irish guardsmen in i tunis. it is a tribute to the most l successful irish guardsmen in our history commissioned into the regiment in 1911 and fought in the first world war and second world war and was several times decorated for bravery. he was the irish guards colonel between 1946 and 1969 and a hugely respected figure. great to honour him on parade today with this march. this is the first time that the irish guards have trooped their colour in front of a king in more than 70 years and it's no.9 company irish guards who are providing the escort and who will lead the footguards past his majesty the king. and they are quite a new addition to the irish guards? for and they are quite a new addition to the irish guards?— the irish guards? for over 30 years the irish guards? for over 30 years the grenadier _ the irish guards? for over 30 years the grenadier guards _ the irish guards? for over 30 years the grenadier guards and _ the irish guards? for over 30 years l the grenadier guards and coldstream had their own public duties company. and then the irish guards formed their own company but it may be new but no sign of that showing today as they step off extremely smartly and on time. the escort moves off. left of your picture there the sergeant major and reflection of the family connections as his uncle served in the regiment with me. and he is watched by his wife and children and that continued in a family tradition on monday. major figures having had family also in uniform. led by the field officer in brigade waiting, he's the commanding officer of the london central garrison, lt col james coleby, riding onyx. and behind him, the major of the parade, major spencerjones, a third generation guardsman — both his grandfathers and father served in the guards. he is riding george. tell me about the role of the major of the parade? well he has the unenviablejob of the parade? well he has the unenviable job of learning all the words of the command in case anything happens to james coleby. in the almost certain knowledge that he will not actually get to use them! chief of defence staff admiral sir tony amongst the vips that i can see. the defence secretary is well grant shapps. the defence secretary as well grant shapps. this is a huge operation to organise. what is the role of the field officer? he organise. what is the role of the field officer?— organise. what is the role of the field officer? , . :, ., field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade _ field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade and _ field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade and his _ field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade and his job - field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade and his job is - field officer? he is commanding the birthday parade and his job is to - birthday parade and his job is to command the actual parade and probably is the hardestjob out there as james coleby has to remember over 100 words of command and ride his horse accurately so a very tricky act and one that he is doing superbly after a lot of practice. now the irish guards slow march — let erin remember. as the ensign raises and lowers colour. the battle honours carefully embroidered on the colour. and not as easy at as it looks.— as easy at as it looks. absolutely not, it is incredibly _ as easy at as it looks. absolutely not, it is incredibly hard - as easy at as it looks. absolutely not, it is incredibly hard work - not, it is incredibly hard work carrying the colour. they will have trained hard to avoid cramp at that moment. : :, , ., , ., , moment. and now the grenadier guards are next to much _ moment. and now the grenadier guards are next to much past _ moment. and now the grenadier guards are next to much past the _ moment. and now the grenadier guards are next to much past the king - moment. and now the grenadier guards are next to much past the king and - are next to much past the king and the colonel of the grenadier guards her majesty the queen. f company scots guards providing no 3 led by a fifth—generation scots guards officerjamie drummond. and their new kernel of the regiment is the duke of edinburgh who took over from the duke of kent earlier this year who had served in that role for 50 years. as the music turns to men of harlech it is of course the welsh guards who form both nos.4 and five guard. and their colonel, the prince of wales, looks on. and he took over from his father and becoming prince of wales.— becoming prince of wales. prince of wales is colonel— becoming prince of wales. prince of wales is colonel of _ becoming prince of wales. prince of wales is colonel of the welsh - becoming prince of wales. prince of| wales is colonel of the welsh guards going back to 1919. music: men of harlech. and no.6 guard completes the march past in slow time, comprised of no.7 company coldstream guards, marching to their regimental slow march figaro. music: figaro by mozart. the adjutant of the parade captain rory crichton—stuart brings up the rear. riding in his first birthday parade, he is the 13th generation of his family to commission into the scots guards. prince louis stealing the show as ever! the field officer in brigade waiting, lt col james coleby, rides out to salute the king. of the 7,000 people in the stands watching on — many of them are friends and family members and radzi chinyanganya has been speaking to some of them. well many of you have come all the way from northern ireland here to support corporal elliott tate. you must be so proud?— support corporal elliott tate. you must be so proud? today is a proud da for must be so proud? today is a proud day for me — must be so proud? today is a proud day for me and _ must be so proud? today is a proud day for me and my _ must be so proud? today is a proud day for me and my family _ must be so proud? today is a proud day for me and my family to - must be so proud? today is a proud day for me and my family to be - must be so proud? today is a proud| day for me and my family to be here in person means the world to us. elliott has always wanted to be a guardsman and being here today to watch him achieve his dream just means everything. this watch him achieve his dream 'ust means everythingi watch him achieve his dream 'ust means everything. as a mother or you 'ust a bit means everything. as a mother or you just a bit nervous? _ means everything. as a mother or you just a bit nervous? bit _ means everything. as a mother or you just a bit nervous? bit nervous - means everything. as a mother or you just a bit nervous? bit nervous but - just a bit nervous? bit nervous but more excitement _ just a bit nervous? bit nervous but more excitement today. _ just a bit nervous? bit nervous but more excitement today. to - just a bit nervous? bit nervous but more excitement today. to watch | just a bit nervous? bit nervous but i more excitement today. to watch the proceedings- — more excitement today. to watch the proceedings- and _ more excitement today. to watch the proceedings. and talking _ more excitement today. to watch the proceedings. and talking about - proceedings. and talking about excitement you are to be married in the near future! excitement you are to be married in the nearfuture! how does excitement you are to be married in the near future! how does that feel to watch your fiance? it is the near future! how does that feel to watch your fiance?— to watch your fiance? it is very sad secial, to watch your fiance? it is very sad special. he — to watch your fiance? it is very sad special, he passed _ to watch your fiance? it is very sad special, he passed out _ to watch your fiance? it is very sad special, he passed out during - to watch your fiance? it is very sad | special, he passed out during covid and we _ special, he passed out during covid and we did — special, he passed out during covid and we did not get to see it happen so every— and we did not get to see it happen so every event has been so special since _ so every event has been so special since then — so every event has been so special since then. we are so proud of elliott — since then. we are so proud of elliott. : :, :, :, , :, :, elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? _ elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? not _ elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? not often - elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? not often so - elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? not often so it. elliott. and how often do you get to see him at work? not often so it is| see him at work? not often so it is more special- _ see him at work? not often so it is more special. how— see him at work? not often so it is more special. how long _ see him at work? not often so it is more special. how long until- see him at work? not often so it is more special. how long until the l more special. how long until the wedding? — more special. how long untilthe weddina ? : more special. how long untilthe weddina? :, , ., :, :, more special. how long untilthe weddina? ., :, :, :, ., wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very — wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very well _ wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very well for _ wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very well for the _ wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very well for the wedding - wedding? over a year to go. you have chosen very well for the wedding and l chosen very well for the wedding and good luck. the family of corporate elliott tate of the irish guards. and it is rare for the soldiers to be able to share their work with friends and family. it be able to share their work with friends and family.— friends and family. it really is, they take _ friends and family. it really is, they take on — friends and family. it really is, they take on challenging - friends and family. it really is, they take on challenging roles| friends and family. it really is, - they take on challenging roles and many are deployed away from home so appropriate to mention the role of friends and family. and the opportunity to share occasions like this with them is very special indeed. the guards have now re—formed ready for the march past in quick time. is there an exact pace? 65 paces to the minute and this is 116 to the minute. and it is a challenge, it is harder physical work and also more difficult because everything happens faster so more of a challenge to keep your spacing when everything around you is happening at a quicker tempo. this neutral quick march is called arromanches. named for the area of normandy of the same name that bore witness to the d day landings. we marked the 80th anniversary of d day last week. and there is george chandler who in 1944 was a gunner on a torpedo boat leaving from new haven of the day to provide cover for american troops heading to omaha and utah beaches. its composer albert kelly landed in normandy on d—day. he was wounded but survived and wrote this march a few years later. and thinking of the 80th commemorations of d—day the man in overall charge of that was general eisenhower. and many of those who took part desperately young as are many of those on parade today. absolutely, aged 18 and 19 and many of their first trooping the colour so that is testament to their training and skill that they are individually striving for excellence. and contributing to this amazing teamwork. as the regiments parade past the king in quick time we will be treated to a succession of quick marches with distinct regimental or national flair. including one of your favourites? every guardsman will know their regimental march well and it makes you march with a bit more swagger. the no 9 were much to st patrick's day which is one of my personal favourites. well, that's the first regimental march we will hear. music: st patrick's day. and here it is, the irish guards regimental quick march, st patrick's day. music: st patrick's day. nijmegen company, grenadier guards march past to the british grenadiers. music: the british grenadiers. heilan' laddie signifies the turn of f company scots guards. music: hielan' laddie. slowly enjoying bullying along to that! -- slowly enjoying bullying along to that! —— prince louis is enjoying dancing along to that! no.4 and no.5 guards are provided by the 1st battalion welsh guards. they march to their quick march, the rising of the lark. music: the rising of the lark. and no.7 company, coldstream guards bring up the rear. their quick march is milanollo. music: milanollo by val hamm. very successful performance by the seniorjohn major who has got quite a job to get in a five regimental marches as each guard passes in front of the saluting base. music: guards armoured division. the field officer in brigade waiting saluting his majesty the king went to movement of his sword. he said before that onyx can be a little bit iiggy- she before that onyx can be a little bit jiggy. she used to be a trumpeter�*s course so she does respond to music. lt james coleby, who is thrilled and proud to hold this role today. this year as field officer and brigade waiting, i have the privilege of commanding the parade and all the troops on it. it's an enormous privilege, one that i never thought i would be doing. i count myself very lucky, notjust to be on parade, but also to be on parade with my own soldiers. to see the product of all the hard work and the hours of marching around the square that the soldiers have done is incredible. for me personally, this is a bucket list item. a little boy from suffolk who used to watch this on tv, i never thought i'd be in this position, but i am. and to be able to deliver this parade to his majesty, it fills me with huge pride. we've done the hard work, we've put in the hours, and it will be a magnificent parade. that is very touching that james coleby says this is a bucket list moment. i know you know him extremely well, chris. it moment. i know you know him extremely well, chris.- moment. i know you know him extremely well, chris. it great to see him out _ extremely well, chris. it great to see him out there _ extremely well, chris. it great to see him out there commanding l extremely well, chris. it great to | see him out there commanding at extremely well, chris. it great to - see him out there commanding at the parade, he was one of my company officers in afghanistan where he was a brave and skilful commander so it's great to see him doing such an amazing parade on horse guards parade today. aha, amazing parade on horse guards parade today-— parade today. a lot of the day is about remaining _ parade today. a lot of the day is about remaining calm _ parade today. a lot of the day is about remaining calm when - parade today. a lot of the day is i about remaining calm when horses parade today. a lot of the day is - about remaining calm when horses in particular can get a little edgy, but it is also about giving a lot of commands and mastering sometimes an independent thinking horse! he commands and mastering sometimes an independent thinking horse!— independent thinking horse! he will have ut a independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot _ independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot of _ independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot of practice _ independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot of practice in - independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot of practice in but - independent thinking horse! he will have put a lot of practice in but he i have put a lot of practice in but he needs to remain calm, but he is cool as a cucumber. he isjust the right person to do thatjob today. that person to do that 'ob today. that translates person to do that job today. that translates through the reins. as many are on parade today, he is very much a representative of those who have combined with front line service the dual role? absolutely, this hugely _ service the dual role? absolutely, this hugely impressive _ service the dual role? absolutely, this hugely impressive sight - service the dual role? absolutely, this hugely impressive sight in - this hugely impressive sight in front of us, it is easy to forget that each and every guardsmen here is a highly trained combat soldier. they have deployed worldwide into the middle east, eastern europe, all around the world, the irish guards alone into nine countries in africa in the last year. it is important to realise that these are very special and trained people. find realise that these are very special and trained people.— and trained people. and training, indeed, and trained people. and training, indeed. of _ and trained people. and training, indeed, of ukrainian _ and trained people. and training, indeed, of ukrainian troops. - and trained people. and training, indeed, of ukrainian troops. yes, the irish guards _ indeed, of ukrainian troops. yes, the irish guards spent _ indeed, of ukrainian troops. yes, the irish guards spent a - indeed, of ukrainian troops. yes the irish guards spent a long time in the last year training on thousands of ukrainian troops on salisbury plain and his majesty the king came to visit them which was great. guards! shoulder arms! officers take post. quick march! guards, in open order. left and right. dress! massed bands. move to the right. right turn! by the centre. quick march! music: brian boru's march. this wonderful music, brian boru's march. as the footguards and massed bands reform, it must be a proud moment. yes, brian it must be a proud moment. yes, lzvrian ltoru _ it must be a proud moment. yes, lzvrian ltoru is _ it must be a proud moment. yes, brian boru is named _ it must be a proud moment. yes, brian boru is named after- it must be a proud moment. yes, brian boru is named after the - it must be a proud moment. ye: brian boru is named after the first mascot. the pipes are special, only the irish and scots could have them. the pipers and drummers, remarkable young men, trained infantry soldiers but to learn the pipes takes many months and constant practice so these are special people standing absolutely willing as they march away from the saluting base. and here come the mounted troops. the household cavalry and the king's troop royal horse artillery. the band of the household cavalry moves onto horse guards led by the director of music major craig bywater who is riding passchendaele. he is accompanied by the glorious sight of apollo and juno, the two drum horses, ridden by corporal of horse richard brown and lance corporal of horse james ballantine. i should say, officially, they are major apollo and majorjuno, because the drum horses carry that title. the king's troop here, a thundering noise as they come onto the parade ground, notjust of the horses but also of the guns. music: men of harlech. guards. we have 76 horses pulling six guns on behalf of the artillery today. the saluting battery of his majesty's household troops, comprising 180 personnel, 120 military working horses. they are led by the commanding officer, major john riding bailieff, riding marmaduke mullygrubs, known as basil in the stables. royal salute. eyes right! they were given the name the king's troop by king george vi in 1946, and the late queen requested they keep that name in memory of her father. later they will fire the royal salute from green park, a 41 gun salute to mark the king's official birthday. the king salutes the gun, which is the colour of the king street. they are 13—pounder quick fire field guns. these are the only guns of their type still in existence and those on parade today all entered service in 1904 and saw service in the first world war. all also saw active service in the second world war, as anti—aircraft guns. and following the king's troop, the two regiments of the household cavalry mounted regiment, the life guards and the blues and royals, preparing to walk past the king. this year, it is the life guards who have the honour of riding in front as first and second divisions of the sovereign's escort. music: life guards (slow march). the sovereign's standard of the life guards is lowered by the standard bearer corporal major isireli waisele. both the king and queen acknowledging the salute. it will have taken so many days and weeks, think way more than ours, to make sure that every part of what you see on parade today is gleaming and perfectly presented. each pair of boots alone can take about 20 hours to prepare. and they are jackboots, so very, very stiff, good for protection but not so easy to ride in. the princess royal, the colonel of the blues and royals as they passed by. princess anne, riding notjust as colonel of they passed by. princess anne, riding not just as colonel of the regiment but also as gold stick in waiting. regiment but also as gold stick in waitinr. : , ., regiment but also as gold stick in waiting. absolutely, an appointment which aoes waiting. absolutely, an appointment which goes back— waiting. absolutely, an appointment which goes back to _ waiting. absolutely, an appointment which goes back to tudor— waiting. absolutely, an appointment which goes back to tudor times - waiting. absolutely, an appointment which goes back to tudor times with | which goes back to tudor times with the responsibility of the personal safety of the monarch. it is the close protection officer of hundred years ago, and at the back, the farriers with their gleaming axis bringing up the rear of the sovereign's escort. trumpet fanfare. the field officer's trumpeter trooper batey sounding the trot past. the trumpeter traditionally rode next to the commanding officer, always on a grey horse which could be seen more easily on the battlefield among all the black horses. he has to gallop round and slot back into place near the front. and here he goes, he is going to sweep around the outside. passed them all, joining at the front. there we go. as everybody else moved into a sitting trot, if you're going to make it? good timing! well done, trooper batey. just as the footguards march past in slow and quick time, so do the mounted troops. as the trot past commences it is once again the turn of the king's troop. to the music of the regimental trot past of both the household cavalry and the king's troop, the keel row, a traditional tyneside melody. each gun and timber weighs 1.5 tonnes. and they are pooled with three horses. here we have the life guards. the standard will remain at the kerry. the carry. and it is difficult on parade for everyone but for the mounted regiments it seems to be particularly challenging. it is particularly challenging. it is really hard _ particularly challenging. it is really hard is _ particularly challenging. it 3 really hard is providing these magnificent horses is hard work and difficult. and wearing all the jackboots and that helmet balancing in the middle of your temple takes great skill. demonstrated here by the household cavalry. and in the sovereign's escort some family ties. and in the sovereign's escort some famil ties. :, ,, ., and in the sovereign's escort some family ties-— family ties. tom stewart followed his father into _ family ties. tom stewart followed his father into the _ family ties. tom stewart followed his father into the life _ family ties. tom stewart followed his father into the life guards. i family ties. tom stewart followed l his father into the life guards. and remarkably taking part in the famous p cavalry. so they are also at the cutting edge of the reconnaissance capability of the army as well as parading here. director of music major craig bywater leads the band of the household cavalry. the kettle drum crossing their sticks as a gesture of respect to the king. sticks as a gesture of respect to the kinu. : , :, :, , sticks as a gesture of respect to thekina.: , :, :, , , the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. the king. and these gorgeous drum horses- apollo _ the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. apollo who _ the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. apollo who is _ the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. apollo who is ten _ the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. apollo who is ten years - the king. and these gorgeous drum horses. apollo who is ten years old | horses. apollo who is ten years old for the blues and royals. and juno his sisterfor the for the blues and royals. and juno his sister for the life guards. for the blues and royals. and juno his sisterfor the life guards. she was officially named by queen camilla last year in the gardens of clarence house and both are gentle giants with fantastic personalities, very kind and really popular as well with the public and with everyone, actually. as we see those wonderful feathered feet. and they come from a shire horse farm in wales. juno is actually very young, she has come through training much quicker than usual. the director of music will turn signalling that he's handing back control of the parade to the field officer for the final birthday salute to the king here on horse guards parade. guards. royal salute. present arms! national anthem plays. guards. in close order. left and right. dress! the guards dress, this time all the guards in one long line. precision moves, achieved here with no words of command. communication between the individuals. telepathic. and today is a test of focus as well as physical fitness. absolutely, you need to be _ physical fitness. absolutely, you need to be physically _ physical fitness. absolutely, you need to be physically fit - physical fitness. absolutely, you need to be physically fit to - physical fitness. absolutely, you need to be physically fit to do i physical fitness. absolutely, you | need to be physically fit to do this as it is demanding but you cannot lose concentration. you have to be ready for the next thing and anticipating your next move and that is how you get it to be such an excellent performance. guards will retire. about turn! at the halt. by divisions. right form. quick march! music: the adjutant by drum major tom birkett. the guards close up to reduce the length of the procession up the mall. and the escort splits. why is that? the front group will form the king's guard so they go straight through the north centre gate of buckingham palace. and the rear group return to barracks with everyone else. divisions will advance. about turn! guards on the escort. form close column. remainder. quick march! music: prussian glory by gottfried piefke. the regimental sergeant major's orderly now returns his pacestick. guardsman ssozi, originally from uganda, is taking part in his first birthday parade having passed out of training, joining the irish guards last year. the field officer in brigade waiting ordering the cards. you have to be in good voice as well! the left guide sergeant andrew burgess moves out to the right so that all the guards can see him. when he drops his arm it gives the signal to all six guards to eyes front. he is a proud irish guard. we saw him in the film earlier, hailing from antrim. he is taking part in his fifth birthday parade and says "it doesn't matter how many times you take part, it still makes you feel proud when you march past the monarch." and that feeling of pride is something you identify with, chris? absolutely they are parading further colonel—in—chief any matter how many times you do the parade it never loses its resonance. the field officer, james coleby, asks his majesty's permission to march off to buckingham palace where there is more ceremony still to come once the regiments of footguards have escorted his majesty the king back down the mall. the breeze just now picking up as it clouds over again, we have been lucky to get away without too much heavy rain. both for the crowds here in the open stands but also for those marching on parade. and moving across the parade ground. garrison sergeant major andrew stokes, known as vern. he is one of the most senior warrant officers in the british army and the man in charge of delivering on the ground everything you see today. served alongside the field officer james coleby in iraq. appointed deputy lieutenant for his home county of shropshire in the past year. and i served with him. those members of the royal family who have been watching from the major—general�*s office the princess of wales and prince george, prince louis and princess charlotte will take their place in the second carriage. but charlotte will take their place in the second carriage.— charlotte will take their place in the second carriage. but in the lead carriaue in the second carriage. but in the lead carriage in the _ the second carriage. but in the lead carriage in the glass _ the second carriage. but in the lead carriage in the glass sided - the second carriage. but in the lead carriage in the glass sided scottish | carriage in the glass sided scottish coach his majesty the king and her majesty the queen will lead the way. there we see prince louis and princess charlotte and prince george and their mother the princess of wales have safely made it into the second carriage. and the king and queen, their timing is impeccable because the heavens have just opened. the guards will accompany the royal procession back to buckingham palace. and we will have some rousing music. and whether allowing we expect the fly—past and the balcony appearance from members of the royal family. music: slattery�*s mounted fut. there is a narrow approach road past the applauding crowd and i had to work hard with the course everyone bearing down behind me. but the general today making a much better job of it than i did! this music is slattery�*s mounted fut. a favourite of the queen mother and great to hear it as the troops march today. great to hear it as the troops march toda . : , . :, , :, today. and chris reflections on trooina today. and chris reflections on trooping the — today. and chris reflections on trooping the colour— today. and chris reflections on trooping the colour as - today. and chris reflections on trooping the colour as a - today. and chris reflections on trooping the colour as a proud today. and chris reflections on - trooping the colour as a proud irish guard? the first time that they've trooped in this new reign of king charles. it trooped in this new reign of king charles. : , , trooped in this new reign of king charles. :, , , ., :, , ., charles. it has been an outstanding arade charles. it has been an outstanding parade with — charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a _ charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a lot _ charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a lot of _ charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a lot of hard _ charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a lot of hard work- charles. it has been an outstanding parade with a lot of hard work and l parade with a lot of hard work and professionalism by everyone on parade. all would have been aiming for the very best performance that they can deliver and it has been a triumph for every of them and something they can be extremely proud of. something they can be extremely roud of. : , ., :, :, proud of. and this tradition of the monarch leading _ proud of. and this tradition of the monarch leading them _ proud of. and this tradition of the monarch leading them back- proud of. and this tradition of the monarch leading them back to - proud of. and this tradition of the | monarch leading them back to the palace was established in 1914. a strong reminder of the relationship between the monarch and the household division. it between the monarch and the household division.— household division. it is, the household — household division. it is, the household division _ household division. it is, the household division or - household division. it is, the household division or other | household division. it is, the - household division or other personal troops of the king saw the start we had the household cavalry escorting the king of the colour and now the footguards escorting him home. and a reminder that you can see all those events. on bbc one, where we will be live until 1.10pm. you can also access audio—described commentary with petroc trelawny via the red button, and uninterrupted coverage with no commentary or interviews on iplayer. the grand ceremonial route of the mall, designed to look like a giant red carpet leading dignitaries to buckingham palace. you can see it quite clearly even in the rain. the king first travelled along it to a birthday parade some 73 years ago and it is virtually unchanged. the rain is absolutely tipping down with strong wind as well. thankfully, at the end of these proceedings, rather than the beginning. proceedings, rather than the beginning-— proceedings, rather than the bearinnin. , , , :, beginning. yes, but everybody on arade, beginning. yes, but everybody on parade. this _ beginning. yes, but everybody on parade, this will _ beginning. yes, but everybody on parade, this will be _ beginning. yes, but everybody on parade, this will be a _ beginning. yes, but everybody on parade, this will be a hard - beginning. yes, but everybody on parade, this will be a hard march| parade, this will be a hard march home, the rain will get into their uniforms make it heavier. what comes of that is an increased determination from everybody out on the square, everybody on the mall, not to let the quality slip in the last half an hour or so. another lovely shot _ last half an hour or so. another lovely shot there _ last half an hour or so. another lovely shot there of _ last half an hour or so. another lovely shot there of the - last half an hour or so. another lovely shot there of the drum l lovely shot there of the drum horses. that carriage is so beautifully designed to be able to beautifully designed to be able to be still visible through the glass, evenin be still visible through the glass, even in these difficult conditions. there we see senior drum major gareth chambers leading the massed bands of the household division down. he isa he is a hugely experienced figure. if the massed bands are a car, he is the driver, and he has held his post through some of the most significant state ceremonial events in a generation, chatted to get it right in even the most common gated parade. on his last parade as the seniorjohn major, proudly wearing the medal of the royal victorian order presented by the king for his contribution over the last few years. contribution over the last few ears. : , as the procession continues down the mall, i'm delighted to say, thatjoining me and major general sir christopher ghika is none other than author and broadcaster gyles brandreth. i don't know if you have seen at such close quarters before? never before at such _ such close quarters before? never before at such close _ such close quarters before? never before at such close quarters, it . such close quarters before? never before at such close quarters, it is truly _ before at such close quarters, it is truly wonderful. and of course, the rain, _ truly wonderful. and of course, the rain. here, — truly wonderful. and of course, the rain, here, reminds us that this is a uniquely— rain, here, reminds us that this is a uniquely british occasion. if like me you _ a uniquely british occasion. if like me you are — a uniquely british occasion. if like me you are into history and heritage. _ me you are into history and heritage, pageantry, precision, colour, — heritage, pageantry, precision, colour, music, majesty, military men and women— colour, music, majesty, military men and women doing their thing better than anyone else in the world, this is your— than anyone else in the world, this is your kind — than anyone else in the world, this is your kind of day. it is worth emphasising as we look at the king and queen— emphasising as we look at the king and queen there, that today means everything — and queen there, that today means everything to king charles iii. he has been — everything to king charles iii. he has been coming to this since he was a toddler, _ has been coming to this since he was a toddler, so — has been coming to this since he was a toddler, so he's used to seeing the rain — a toddler, so he's used to seeing the rain he _ a toddler, so he's used to seeing the rain. he has been taking part in it since _ the rain. he has been taking part in it since 1975 — the rain. he has been taking part in it since 1975. and now, at 75, he is here _ it since 1975. and now, at 75, he is here for— it since 1975. and now, at 75, he is here for his — it since 1975. and now, at 75, he is here for his second year as king. and to _ here for his second year as king. and to me. — here for his second year as king. and to me, he is a fascinating figure — and to me, he is a fascinating figure because what is interesting about— figure because what is interesting about him, is that he as as modern as tomorrow— about him, is that he as as modern as tomorrow but he has a lot of time for yesterday. as tomorrow but he has a lot of time foryesterday. he is as tomorrow but he has a lot of time for yesterday. he is as a person ronrantic— for yesterday. he is as a person romantic who loves the music and the heritage, _ romantic who loves the music and the heritage, the pageantry, but he is also a _ heritage, the pageantry, but he is also a future facing pragmatist who is very— also a future facing pragmatist who is very aware that all of the soldiers _ is very aware that all of the soldiers here today on parade are part of— soldiers here today on parade are part of a — soldiers here today on parade are part of a modern army. so they have seen _ part of a modern army. so they have seen king _ part of a modern army. so they have seen king charles iii very aware that the — seen king charles iii very aware that the origins of the king's but they parade actually go back to the reign _ they parade actually go back to the reign of— they parade actually go back to the reign of his namesake and forebear kin- reign of his namesake and forebear king charles ii, so this is part and parcel— king charles ii, so this is part and parcel of— king charles ii, so this is part and parcel of a — king charles ii, so this is part and parcel of a 350—year—old tradition and taking — parcel of a 350—year—old tradition and taking place and he knows this, in the _ and taking place and he knows this, in the nuclear age. find and taking place and he knows this, in the nuclear age.— and taking place and he knows this, in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength — in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength of— in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength of the _ in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength of the rain, _ in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength of the rain, but - in the nuclear age. and we see there the strength of the rain, but also - the strength of the rain, but also the strength of the rain, but also the queen victoria memorial is gleaming through the grey. and the crowd with their umbrellas and googles, —— raincoats, they refuse to move, they have got their spot and they want to see the procession go by. and the king, it important for him to be seen by his public and that reassurance is required. seen b the that reassurance is required. seen by the people. _ that reassurance is required. seen by the people. we _ that reassurance is required. seen by the people, we know _ that reassurance is required. seen by the people, we know he has not been _ by the people, we know he has not been in _ by the people, we know he has not been in public as much as he has liked _ been in public as much as he has liked to — been in public as much as he has liked to have been, he has found these _ liked to have been, he has found these last— liked to have been, he has found these last few months frustrating at times _ these last few months frustrating at times to— these last few months frustrating at times. to be seen ever this official birthday. _ times. to be seen ever this official birthday. it— times. to be seen ever this official birthday, it has only been an annual event _ birthday, it has only been an annual event since — birthday, it has only been an annual event since 1738, and it happened at this time _ event since 1738, and it happened at this time of— event since 1738, and it happened at this time of year because king george — this time of year because king george iii who started it all, his birthday— george iii who started it all, his birthday was on the 4th ofjune, which _ birthday was on the 4th ofjune, which is — birthday was on the 4th ofjune, which is why we have it injune. and edward _ which is why we have it injune. and edward vll _ which is why we have it injune. and edward vii decided to keep it in june even— edward vii decided to keep it in june even though his birthday was in november— june even though his birthday was in november like the king's because he thought— november like the king's because he thought the weather would be better, so much _ thought the weather would be better, so much for— thought the weather would be better, so much for that! vital for the king to be _ so much for that! vital for the king to be seen— so much for that! vital for the king to be seen notjust by his troops but by— to be seen notjust by his troops but by the — to be seen notjust by his troops but by the people. and notjust the people _ but by the people. and notjust the people here, this is a king of this country. — people here, this is a king of this country, there are 14 other countries _ country, there are 14 other countries as well that charles and camilla _ countries as well that charles and camilla are king and queen of. and this is— camilla are king and queen of. and this is a _ camilla are king and queen of. and this is a commonwealth occasion as welt _ this is a commonwealth occasion as welt the _ this is a commonwealth occasion as welt the 56 — this is a commonwealth occasion as well. the 56 flags of the commonwealth, we saw that on the parade _ commonwealth, we saw that on the parade earlier. king commonwealth, we saw that on the parade earlier-— parade earlier. king charles is passionate — parade earlier. king charles is passionate about _ parade earlier. king charles is passionate about the - parade earlier. king charles is - passionate about the commonwealth and what it represents.— and what it represents. totally, as indeed is queen _ and what it represents. totally, as indeed is queen camilla. - and what it represents. totally, as indeed is queen camilla. they - and what it represents. totally, as indeed is queen camilla. they are| indeed is queen camilla. they are both completely committed to the commonwealth, and the king, of course, _ commonwealth, and the king, of course, is — commonwealth, and the king, of course, is the head of the commonwealth.— course, is the head of the commonwealth. : , ., commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to — commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to see _ commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to see the _ commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to see the return - commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to see the return of- commonwealth. and very important, and lovely to see the return of her i and lovely to see the return of her royal highness the princess of wales. , : , royal highness the princess of wales. , ., , , ., wales. yes, many people are saying and riahtl wales. yes, many people are saying and rightly what _ wales. yes, many people are saying and rightly what an _ wales. yes, many people are saying and rightly what an example - wales. yes, many people are saying and rightly what an example what i wales. yes, many people are saying. and rightly what an example what the king and the princess of wales have been this year talking about their cancer, and carrying on. at the princess of wales here today, that personal statement from her yesterday saying she is not out of the woods yet, but is so pleased to be here today on what she knows is such an important day both for her, with her role, but also for her father—in—law, king charles iii. and despite the weather, the good news from the raf is that we will still have the fly past, so we have that to look forward to as well as the appearance of the royal family on the balcony. and it will culminate with the red arrows. we hear the music of the mounted bands, and we talked about the skill of riding on parade, for the household cavalry, but when you are also riding and playing instruments... also riding and playing instruments. . ._ also riding and playing instruments... it's really difficult. _ instruments... it's really difficult, to _ instruments... it's really difficult, to ride - instruments... it's really difficult, to ride a - instruments... it's really difficult, to ride a horse | instruments... it's really l difficult, to ride a horse on instruments... it's really - difficult, to ride a horse on a parade like this isn't easy, to play a musical instrument isn't easy, to do both at the same time is very difficult. so they do an amazing job, hugely skilful and i think they have been great today. cheering the cheers ring out as the carriages we reach the queen victoria memorial and you can see the princess of wales and princess charlotte trying desperately to clean the fog off the glass, so they can see, and the public can see them. cheering._ public can see them. cheering. , :,, ., , public can see them. cheering. , ., , , public can see them. cheering. , :, , , ., cheering. this has always been a family day- _ cheering. this has always been a family day- the — cheering. this has always been a family day. the royal— cheering. this has always been a family day. the royal family, - family day. the royal family, although— family day. the royal family, although the idea of a family firm only became popular in the 1940s as a phrase, _ only became popular in the 1940s as a phrase, this goes back a long way. queen— a phrase, this goes back a long way. queen victoria i think made her first appearance on this famous balcony— first appearance on this famous balcony back in 1851 and that is when _ balcony back in 1851 and that is when royal appearances on the balcony— when royal appearances on the balcony began. so being seen, i think— balcony began. so being seen, i think it — balcony began. so being seen, i think it was actually queen victoria. _ think it was actually queen victoria, it often attributed to elizabeth ii, queen victoria first said, _ elizabeth ii, queen victoria first said. i_ elizabeth ii, queen victoria first said, i have to be seen to be believed _ said, i have to be seen to be believed. being visible is part and parcel— believed. being visible is part and parcel of— believed. being visible is part and parcel of being the sovereign. you can see the _ parcel of being the sovereign. you. can see the royal colonel there, the prince of wales, the duke of edinburgh, the princess royal, riding immediately behind the carriage. all of them very comfortable in the saddle. which, on a day like today, is a good thing! but i think a very wise of his majesty the king to not ride this year. he majesty the king to not ride this ear. :, . , , . , year. he rowed incredibly well last ear on a year. he rowed incredibly well last year on a new _ year. he rowed incredibly well last year on a new horse, _ year. he rowed incredibly well last year on a new horse, but - year. he rowed incredibly well last year on a new horse, but going i year. he rowed incredibly well last year on a new horse, but going in | year on a new horse, but going in the carriage this year. behind him and royal colonels on the very steadied horses and the princess royal and extremely experienced horsewoman. royal and extremely experienced horsewoman-_ royal and extremely experienced horsewoman. chris will in venice, one of the — horsewoman. chris will in venice, one of the things _ horsewoman. chris will in venice, one of the things the _ horsewoman. chris will in venice, one of the things the king - horsewoman. chris will in venice, i one of the things the king inherited from elizabeth ii was a keen eye for detail— from elizabeth ii was a keen eye for detail -- _ from elizabeth ii was a keen eye for detail —— chris will confirm this. people — detail —— chris will confirm this. people have been looking at the troops _ people have been looking at the troops with particularly care? absolutely, and when you get back to the quadrangle at buckingham palace and get off his horse, he will go and get off his horse, he will go and see james and the king will say what he thought and point out a few things. but generally it is a congratulation for an extremely professional performance which we can all reflect on as the guards marched back to buckingham palace behind the band.— behind the band. prince george, prince louis _ behind the band. prince george, prince louis and _ behind the band. prince george, prince louis and princess - behind the band. prince george, i prince louis and princess charlotte keeping up their energy and enthusiasm and recognising the crowds out there alongside the mall stop let's go back to the royal colonel. the prince of wales was riding derby, awarded by the royal canadian mounted police. the duke of edinburgh has a connection with them as well because he is riding sir john, and sirjohn was a present from the royal canadian mounted police in 2016 to mark queen elizabeth ii's 90th birthday. it's fascinating for us, when you think— it's fascinating for us, when you think of— it's fascinating for us, when you think of having had elizabeth ii here _ think of having had elizabeth ii here for— think of having had elizabeth ii here for so many years, that two years _ here for so many years, that two years into — here for so many years, that two years into this new rain, it is working _ years into this new rain, it is working. tradition is continuing and we now— working. tradition is continuing and we now see — working. tradition is continuing and we now see these three generations carrying _ we now see these three generations carrying on. — we now see these three generations carrying on, traditions that have gone _ carrying on, traditions that have gone back— carrying on, traditions that have gone back literally hundreds of years — gone back literally hundreds of ears. :, :, . . . years. now going back past canada gate and reigning _ years. now going back past canada gate and reigning around _ years. now going back past canada gate and reigning around the - years. now going back past canada gate and reigning around the side. years. now going back past canada i gate and reigning around the side of the queen victoria memorial. and the mounted troops will shortly pay their final respects. there mounted troops will shortly pay theirfinal respects. there is prince george. i love the energy of the young royals on parade. it does bring something very different, gyles. bring something very different, g les. : bring something very different, g les.: :, ., , bring something very different, g les.: :, ._ ,~ gyles. and occasionally very cheeky! i susect gyles. and occasionally very cheeky! i suspect the — gyles. and occasionally very cheeky! i suspect the photographs _ gyles. and occasionally very cheeky! i suspect the photographs tomorrow| i suspect the photographs tomorrow will very— i suspect the photographs tomorrow will very much reflects what prince george _ will very much reflects what prince george and prince louis today were doing. _ george and prince louis today were doing, particularly louis, i noticed a sort _ doing, particularly louis, i noticed a sort of— doing, particularly louis, i noticed a sort of what looked like, how many hours _ a sort of what looked like, how many hours will _ a sort of what looked like, how many hours will this go on for? and fiddling — hours will this go on for? and fiddling rather charmingly with the curtain— fiddling rather charmingly with the curtain rail, no, not the rail, the thing~ — curtain rail, no, not the rail, the thing~ |t— curtain rail, no, not the rail, the thin... , , , , , thing... it pulls the shutters up and down- _ thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it _ thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it use _ thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it use to _ thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it use to be - thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it use to be at - thing... it pulls the shutters up and down. it use to be at your| and down. it use to be at your office? it and down. it use to be at your office? , , office? it is the blind, the afternoon _ office? it is the blind, the afternoon sun _ office? it is the blind, the afternoon sun goes - office? it is the blind, the i afternoon sun goes straight office? it is the blind, the - afternoon sun goes straight to the office so there are some blinds you can pull down so you can work on your computer. figs can pull down so you can work on your computer-— can pull down so you can work on your computer. as they go back into buckingham — your computer. as they go back into buckingham palace, _ your computer. as they go back into buckingham palace, it _ your computer. as they go back into buckingham palace, it is _ your computer. as they go back into buckingham palace, it is worth - buckingham palace, it is worth reflecting on the way the king i know— reflecting on the way the king i know we'll be making changes. he is only making — know we'll be making changes. he is only making changes but i suspect in years— only making changes but i suspect in years to _ only making changes but i suspect in years to come, many more of us will be able _ years to come, many more of us will be able to— years to come, many more of us will be able to go— years to come, many more of us will be able to go to buckingham palace. it is already— be able to go to buckingham palace. it is already open for the public but i _ it is already open for the public but i think— it is already open for the public but i think it will be open to the public— but i think it will be open to the public for— but i think it will be open to the public for longer, and the gardens will be _ public for longer, and the gardens will be open for longer, we will be able to— will be open for longer, we will be able to see — will be open for longer, we will be able to see more of what is going on inside _ able to see more of what is going on inside and — able to see more of what is going on inside. and the day may come when all of— inside. and the day may come when all of us _ inside. and the day may come when all of us can— inside. and the day may come when all of us can get up onto that famous — all of us can get up onto that famous balcony.— all of us can get up onto that famous balcony. all of us can get up onto that famous balcon . . , , , :, famous balcony. really, members of the ublic? famous balcony. really, members of the public? not _ famous balcony. really, members of the public? not necessarily - famous balcony. really, members of the public? not necessarily when - famous balcony. really, members of the public? not necessarily when the kina the public? not necessarily when the kim is the public? not necessarily when the king is there — the public? not necessarily when the king is there but _ the public? not necessarily when the king is there but i _ the public? not necessarily when the king is there but i think _ the public? not necessarily when the king is there but i think part - the public? not necessarily when the king is there but i think part of - king is there but i think part of the opening that they will open that east wing _ the opening that they will open that east wing and you may be able to see the view— east wing and you may be able to see the view that only the royals and may be — the view that only the royals and may be a — the view that only the royals and may be a photographer or to have been _ may be a photographer or to have been allowed inside, can see, which actually— been allowed inside, can see, which actually isn't, i believe, a very good — actually isn't, i believe, a very good view _ actually isn't, i believe, a very good view-— actually isn't, i believe, a very aood view. :, . , . ,, , good view. you have perhaps been in there? i have — good view. you have perhaps been in there? i have been _ good view. you have perhaps been in there? i have been in _ good view. you have perhaps been in there? i have been in the _ good view. you have perhaps been in there? i have been in the room - there? i have been in the room behind it bit because the victoria memorial is so big and impressive, it is not a great view down the mall, it is great for the forecourt of buckingham palace but not great down the mall. having escorted their colonel in chief at home, this is the guards bidding him a farewell until next year as they return to barracks. many of them, and operational deployment on the horizon in the next few months. yes. horizon in the next few months. yes, that is less — horizon in the next few months. yes, that is less appetising. _ horizon in the next few months. yes, that is less appetising. sometimes internationally people say, these soldiers — internationally people say, these soldiers are just here to be part of the ceremony. is thisjust brand britain _ the ceremony. is thisjust brand britain in — the ceremony. is thisjust brand britain in uniform? but these are real men— britain in uniform? but these are real men and women who are serving soldiers _ real men and women who are serving soldiers. : , ,:, , . , soldiers. absolutely, and they will be off to conduct _ soldiers. absolutely, and they will be off to conduct operational - be off to conduct operational deployment in the next few months. bidding their colonel in chief there well here by marching past until next year. well here by marching past until next ear. : , . . . :, next year. and they have had a long, lona da . next year. and they have had a long, long day- yes. _ next year. and they have had a long, long day. yes, many _ next year. and they have had a long, long day. yes, many of _ next year. and they have had a long, long day. yes, many of the - next year. and they have had a long, long day. yes, many of the troops i long day. yes, many of the troops come from — long day. yes, many of the troops come from windsor _ long day. yes, many of the troops come from windsor or— long day. yes, many of the troops come from windsor or pirbright, i come from windsor or pirbright, aldershot barracks around london, so they will have started up early this morning to get here in time. just a ulim se of morning to get here in time. just a glimpse of the _ morning to get here in time. just a glimpse of the royal _ morning to get here in time. just a glimpse of the royal standard - glimpse of the royal standard they're flying above buckingham palace, and that is enormous, it is as big as a tennis court. it palace, and that is enormous, it is as big as a tennis court.— as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters — as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters in _ as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters in all— as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters in all of _ as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters in all of the _ as big as a tennis court. it is, and it flutters in all of the big - it flutters in all of the big ceremonial days. as i said when the guards are ready to march off, the escort to the collar went into the north centre gate and now are in the forecourt of buckingham palace to conduct the daily changing of the guard ceremony. members of the royal family will be gathering _ members of the royal family will be gathering inside to make their way to appear— gathering inside to make their way to appear on the balcony. and remember there was an incident in london with five courses unfortunately gathering and galloping loose through the streets of london and three of them i'm happy to say our back on parade today. tennyson indeed, and i think horses would suffer but physically and in terms of trauma and he is one of the most experienced in the division. having to steer with their feet because that is how the reigns are connected to the horse because of course the drummer, their hands are occupied. the king's troop royal horse artillery and their gun carriages making their way to green park. they will start preparations for the 41 gun salute a little later on. already appearing on the balcony, the duke and duchess of edinburgh and the duke of kent as well. the longest serving royal colonel until earlier this year. its, longest serving royal colonel until earlier this year.— earlier this year. a remarkable fi . ure, earlier this year. a remarkable figure, actually. _ earlier this year. a remarkable figure, actually. the _ earlier this year. a remarkable figure, actually. the only - earlier this year. a remarkable i figure, actually. the only person who has — figure, actually. the only person who has attended i think three coronations. back in 1937 with the coronation — coronations. back in 1937 with the coronation of george vi and that of the queen— coronation of george vi and that of the queen elizabeth ii stakes in 1953 and — the queen elizabeth ii stakes in 1953 and then last year the coronation of charles iii. as troop come b , coronation of charles iii. as troop come by, commit _ coronation of charles iii. as troop come by, commit three _ coronation of charles iii. as troop come by, commit three pairs - coronation of charles iii. as troop come by, commit three pairs of i come by, commit three pairs of horses there, the leaders tend to be a bit more athletically built and they have a fair bit of speed and they have a fair bit of speed and the wheelers are thicker set and they act as the brakes. and bearing in mind that that gun is extremely heavy. his first time to lead the king's troop parade, the major general. and currently the most diverse regiment of all. 60% female. 60% women and mostjoined the army tojoin the king's 60% women and mostjoined the army to join the king's troop and most of them are very confident riders before theyjoin but for those who are not they get taught and they become part of this amazing team. we will find out more about them very shortly. now the life guards followed by the blues and royals. going past the king in a final salute to him. the household cavalry mountain region has about 200 courses and 14 grey horses. the ma'or courses and 14 grey horses. the major carrying _ courses and 14 grey horses. tue major carrying the standard. he served with the irish guards in iraq in 2007 so great to see him back in central london today watched by his family, 12 are time difference away. a 12 hour time difference away. and while the king takes the salute reminder of three generations on parade today. the reminder of three generations on parade today-— reminder of three generations on parade today. the prince of wales and prince george. _ parade today. the prince of wales and prince george. the _ parade today. the prince of wales and prince george. the whole - parade today. the prince of wales| and prince george. the whole idea parade today. the prince of wales i and prince george. the whole idea is fascinatin: and prince george. the whole idea is fascinating the _ and prince george. the whole idea is fascinating the way _ and prince george. the whole idea is fascinating the way that _ and prince george. the whole idea is fascinating the way that this - fascinating the way that this tradition goes on for hundreds of years _ tradition goes on for hundreds of years but — tradition goes on for hundreds of years. but now we have three generations, the king and the queen now in— generations, the king and the queen now in their— generations, the king and the queen now in their70s generations, the king and the queen now in their 70s and then the younger— now in their 70s and then the younger generation and wonderful to have the _ younger generation and wonderful to have the prince and princess of wales— have the prince and princess of wales here and then the next generation, the next king george and his clearly— generation, the next king george and his clearly frisky brother and sister! — his clearly frisky brother and sister! it— his clearly frisky brother and sister! it is extraordinary. and also _ sister! it is extraordinary. and also because of the presence of the duke of— also because of the presence of the duke of gloucester and the duke of kent reminder that this goes back, some _ kent reminder that this goes back, some people ask why they are the duke _ some people ask why they are the duke of— some people ask why they are the duke of kent or gloucester but they are the _ duke of kent or gloucester but they are the grandchildren of king george v and _ are the grandchildren of king george v and that _ are the grandchildren of king george v and that is why they have the title _ v and that is why they have the title of— v and that is why they have the title of royal highness was up it goes _ title of royal highness was up it goes to— title of royal highness was up it goes to that generation and then it will cover— goes to that generation and then it will cover then it stops. the duke of gloucester is the youngest of the nine grandchildren of george v. national anthem plays his majesty the king heads inside buckingham palace ready for the balcony appearance and further tributes from the armed forces to mark his fifth birthday. we have the aria fly—past and the annual birthday gun salute from the king's troop royal horse artillery who are short time ago came into green park. to begin their preparations for firing. for me, this is a real perk. getting to visit the stables here in woolwich of the king's troop royal horse artillery. 120 horses in total, which means it's a hive of activity. let's have a look. these are the charges lines. and i've come here to meet the commanding officer, majorjohn baileff. you are the commanding officer. what does that entail, what's your role? in barracks i'm in charge of everything. on parade, i'm out the front. it's myjob to make sure that we deliver a gun salute what we call on time, on target, and on safe, and to make sure that we look the highest of quality. what is it that makes the king's troop so special? the golden question. we are the colours of the royal regiment of artillery. we denote the most senior colour on parade. we are a little family unit and one of the smallest on parade. and who's this? this is basil, basil's his stable name, obviously, basil named after basil brush. but like the rest of our charges, he has a posh name, so his formal name is marmaduke mulligrubs. marmaduke mulligrubs. do all of the charges have extravagant, quirky names? yeah, you've got lord firebrand, marmaduke mulligrubs, even characters such as sir guy spanker. sir guy spanker?! that's the one! well, i hope that, basil, you behave, and good luck to all of you. plenty of action going on here in the riding school. and i've come here to meet lance bombardier bronwen cooper. how important are horses to, i suppose, the identity of the king's troop? 0h, they are the troop. you know, we all love and adore our horses and they work so hard, they really do deserve a lot of credit because without them, we wouldn't be able to obviously do ourjobs. what's the most difficult aspect of what you're going to be doing on the king's birthday parade? you know, on king's birthday parade we'll be going past the royal family. to salute the king, we do a slow walk pass and then we do a trot pass. so it's a lot of adjusting pace and working together. when you do the trot, they're doing rising trot at the moment, is it rising trot or is it sitting? sitting trot. ooh! yeah, it's not the most comfortable position to be in, but it doesn't last very long. brilliant stuff, i hope it all goes perfectly for you. thank you. there is an old saying — no hoof, no horse. which is why this is one of the most important places and one of the most crucial teams to the king's troop. there are six farriers in total. these are two of the most recently qualified. tell me about your role and what you do. our main role is to help horses on the road, put shoes on feet, and make sure that they stay happy and sound is our priority. and abbie, it's not as if you're just taking a shoe off a shelf and saying, here you go. they're each tailored? yeah, they're all bespoke to the horse themselves. they might need different things compared to another horse. but in terms of shoeing them, 120 horses? yeah, that's how many of them we've got here. so that is 480 hooves? yeah, pretty much! and how often are you going through this process? coming up to this busy season now, some of them will get shod every single week, like, every single week. which is pretty physical work. yeah, for the horse and for us. i shall be paying particular attention to the quality and the look of the hooves! have a brilliant parade. thank you. cheers, thank you. as we've seen, horses, crucial to the king's troop but so too are the guns. this is the gun park and gunnerjoe talbot is here. what is the significance of the gun to the king's troop? these are the colours of the troop and the royal artillery as a whole. and the infantry have flags, as the irish guards will be showing on parade, we have these. and this is a very, very impressive but also historic piece of kit. yes. all these guns have seen live fire in world war i into world war ii when they came out of commission. how many of these are there left in the world? these ones, exactly ten in total. so it is a big ask to keep these exactly pristine, working in tip—top condition. you must feel an extraordinary responsibility. yeah, it's quite overwhelming to think that these have seen live firing and they've done jobs to protect this country. so taking these out on parade, letting people see from all over the world to know that i've turned this out to the best of my ability is amazing. well, there is no doubt that these guns will be looking absolutely spit—spot perfect. good luck to you. thank you very much. huge thanks to the king's troop for that, i had such a lovely day with them. now the crowds are making their way down the mall and the famous sights of the metropolitan police doing a fantasticjob marshalling with everyone keen to secure a spot for a site of the famous balcony appearance. the king and queen, the prince and princess of wales and their children. and it is about teamwork, isn't it, the royal family and now may be more than ever. , , ., . than ever. definitely more than ever. than ever. definitely more than ever- what _ than ever. definitely more than ever. what is _ than ever. definitely more than ever. what is fascinating - than ever. definitely more than ever. what is fascinating is - than ever. definitely more than ever. what is fascinating is to i than ever. definitely more than i ever. what is fascinating is to see the king _ ever. what is fascinating is to see the king and queen together and when they emerge on the balcony the queen will take _ they emerge on the balcony the queen will take particular pride because her great — will take particular pride because her great who was a builder actually designed _ her great who was a builder actually designed and built the east front of buckingham palace. including the balcony— buckingham palace. including the balcony that has become the iconic balcony _ balcony that has become the iconic balcony so— balcony that has become the iconic balcony. so she feels family pride. but they're — balcony. so she feels family pride. but they're very much a team, the kin- but they're very much a team, the king and _ but they're very much a team, the king and queen and it is fascinating to see _ king and queen and it is fascinating to see them together because they are mutually supportive. all the royal— are mutually supportive. all the royal family involved in so many different — royal family involved in so many different charities, literally between them hundreds of different causes _ between them hundreds of different causes and charities that they work for. causes and charities that they work for~ the _ causes and charities that they work for. the queen on a day like today comes— for. the queen on a day like today comes from — for. the queen on a day like today comes from an army family and her father— comes from an army family and her father was— comes from an army family and her father was a — comes from an army family and her father was a serving officer. she made _ father was a serving officer. she made her— father was a serving officer. she made her first public appearance back in— made her first public appearance back in 2005 and this year of course she's— back in 2005 and this year of course she's been— back in 2005 and this year of course she's been very much on hand deputising for the king at the commonwealth service, the maundy service _ commonwealth service, the maundy service at— commonwealth service, the maundy service at royal worcester cathedral and each _ service at royal worcester cathedral and each member of the royal family have their— and each member of the royal family have their own particular field of endeavour— have their own particular field of endeavour and interest. we have the new duke _ endeavour and interest. we have the new duke of — endeavour and interest. we have the new duke of edinburgh prince edward are some _ new duke of edinburgh prince edward are some people still think of him, the fourth — are some people still think of him, the fourth incarnation of the duke of edinburgh and of course his father— of edinburgh and of course his father prince philip was duke of edinburgh for many years from 1947 until his _ edinburgh for many years from 1947 until his death and he now heads up the awards— until his death and he now heads up the awards scheme, the duke of edinburgh award scheme with up to a million _ edinburgh award scheme with up to a million young people taking part across _ million young people taking part across the world. so so many charities _ across the world. so so many charities and military commitments that each— charities and military commitments that each member has an people have talked _ that each member has an people have talked about a slimmed down royal family— talked about a slimmed down royal family but actually still quite a few of— family but actually still quite a few of them doing a great deal. people — few of them doing a great deal. people like the princess royal princess — people like the princess royal princess anne who regularly tops the table for— princess anne who regularly tops the table for doing more royal events in a year— table for doing more royal events in a year than — table for doing more royal events in a year than anyone else. i table for doing more royal events in a year than anyone else.— a year than anyone else. i think that strong _ a year than anyone else. i think that strong where _ a year than anyone else. i think that strong where work - a year than anyone else. i think that strong where work ethic i a year than anyone else. i think that strong where work ethic is | that strong where work ethic is appreciated by the british public, a typical day like today with umbrellas in the air.- typical day like today with umbrellas in the air. , y :, , umbrellas in the air. they know they have to do this _ umbrellas in the air. they know they have to do this because _ umbrellas in the air. they know they have to do this because they - umbrellas in the air. they know they have to do this because they all- have to do this because they all remember queen elizabeth ii and the idea of— remember queen elizabeth ii and the idea of service has been instilled in them — idea of service has been instilled in them by— idea of service has been instilled in them by her example, since all of them— in them by her example, since all of them were— in them by her example, since all of them were small. this is part and parcel— them were small. this is part and parcel of— them were small. this is part and parcel of what they do. find them were small. this is part and parcel of what they do.— them were small. this is part and parcel of what they do. and as the crowds continue _ parcel of what they do. and as the crowds continue to _ parcel of what they do. and as the crowds continue to flood _ parcel of what they do. and as the crowds continue to flood down - parcel of what they do. and as the crowds continue to flood down the i crowds continue to flood down the mail, let'sjoin radzi. fresh from the parade is the piper thomas walsh. we heard you talking about music before the parade, you have just come from it, how was it? honestly i think it was very well for us especially the pipers, the music came off well, the cut—offs were good and the entries are really good. the rain tried to bring down the situation but we worked through it. :, , y the situation but we worked through it. you still look very good. there is a real personal _ it. you still look very good. there is a real personal connection - it. you still look very good. there is a real personal connection with i is a real personal connection with you, the irish guards in a special day. you, the irish guards in a special da . , , you, the irish guards in a special da. , , , :, you, the irish guards in a special da . , , , :, . , you, the irish guards in a special da. , day. yes, my brother wants to do this before _ day. yes, my brother wants to do this before me, _ day. yes, my brother wants to do this before me, sadly _ day. yes, my brother wants to do this before me, sadly he - day. yes, my brother wants to do this before me, sadly he is - day. yes, my brother wants to do this before me, sadly he is no i this before me, sadly he is no longer with us. to do this and be in the same footsteps as him but to be in the own path feels amazing, especially with the irish guards that gave him so much and i hope to give so much back to it with parades like this and more. t give so much back to it with parades like this and more.— like this and more. i believe when he did it it — like this and more. i believe when he did it it was _ like this and more. i believe when he did it it was a _ like this and more. i believe when he did it it was a wet _ like this and more. i believe when he did it it was a wet day - like this and more. i believe when he did it it was a wet day as - like this and more. i believe when he did it it was a wet day as well? i he did it it was a wet day as well? it was, i remember watching the training with videos of him not having the best of times but he deserved it!— having the best of times but he deserved it! ~ . :, , . :, , deserved it! what does it mean to be an irish guardsman _ deserved it! what does it mean to be an irish guardsman because - deserved it! what does it mean to be an irish guardsman because there i deserved it! what does it mean to be an irish guardsman because there is| an irish guardsman because there is so much pride here? brute an irish guardsman because there is so much pride here?— so much pride here? we work very hard, not so much pride here? we work very hard. notiust _ so much pride here? we work very hard, notjust normal— so much pride here? we work very hard, notjust normal soldering i so much pride here? we work very| hard, notjust normal soldering but also ceremonial which is a big deal and pride is the only thing that keeps us up sometimes, keeps us up at night during our boots, keeper's on and keeps us happy to be here. lovely to talk to you, thank you. thank you very much.— thank you very much. what a fantastic character, _ thank you very much. what a fantastic character, piper - thank you very much. what a i fantastic character, piper walsh. thank you very much. what a - fantastic character, piper walsh. i fantastic character, piperwalsh. i love what he said about pride and that can be the motivating force in so many different walks of life, chris. : , ,:, , so many different walks of life, chris. : , , . ,, so many different walks of life, chris. : , . :, chris. absolutely and when you 'oin the army you — chris. absolutely and when you 'oin the army you i chris. absolutely and when you 'oin the army you are taught * chris. absolutely and when you 'oin the army you are taught from i chris. absolutely and when you join the army you are taught from the i the army you are taught from the first day that your regiment is the best and you had this intrinsic pride so everything you want to do is for your regiment so you want the best in every outcome, whether it be on horse guards parade or in operational theatres around the world. pride, professionalism and teamwork dry the operation forward. and also the idea that today is not just important on a global level, on a national level, it important to his majesty the king as well but personally, to every single individual operate?- individual operate? that's absolutely _ individual operate? that's absolutely right. - individual operate? that's absolutely right. we - individual operate? that'sj absolutely right. we know individual operate? that's i absolutely right. we know it individual operate? that's - absolutely right. we know it is a big event internationally but for the guardsman on parade, it's a very personal statement and tribute to their colonel in chief. every person out there will be wanting to do their very best for one person, the colonel in chief. we still have a gun salute from the king's troop and the aria fly—past to come, the crowds are flooding their way down, an amazing sight, it really is. their way down, an amazing sight, it reall is. . , :, their way down, an amazing sight, it reall is. :, , :, . . , really is. can you imagine anything more british _ really is. can you imagine anything more british than _ really is. can you imagine anything more british than this? _ really is. can you imagine anything more british than this? just - really is. can you imagine anything more british than this? just look i really is. can you imagine anything | more british than this? just look at the brollies! this says it all. britain — the brollies! this says it all. britain in _ the brollies! this says it all. britain injune. but there they all are. britain injune. but there they all are this— britain injune. but there they all are this is— britain injune. but there they all are. this is an important day, of course — are. this is an important day, of course for— are. this is an important day, of course, for the regiments. are. this is an important day, of course, forthe regiments. it's obviously— course, forthe regiments. it's obviously an important day for people — obviously an important day for people as well.— obviously an important day for people as well. obviously an important day for theole as well. : . ,:, . people as well. and an important few months coming _ people as well. and an important few months coming up — people as well. and an important few months coming up for _ people as well. and an important few months coming up for the _ people as well. and an important few months coming up for the king - people as well. and an important few months coming up for the king and i months coming up for the king and the queen, on monday the king will attend the garters day service in st george's chapel in windsor. yes. attend the garters day service in st george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order — george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order we _ george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order we have, _ george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order we have, knights - george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order we have, knights of- george's chapel in windsor. yes, the oldest order we have, knights of the | oldest order we have, knights of the garter~ _ oldest order we have, knights of the garter. there will be a new one in andrew— garter. there will be a new one in andrew lloyd webber, lord lloyd webber_ andrew lloyd webber, lord lloyd webber is becoming a knight of the garter~ _ webber is becoming a knight of the garter. there is a new chancellor of the order, _ garter. there is a new chancellor of the order, eliza manningham buller, the order, eliza manningham buller, the former— the order, eliza manningham buller, the former director of the security service _ the former director of the security service. there is that on monday, then— service. there is that on monday, then there — service. there is that on monday, then there is royal ascot which is a favourite _ then there is royal ascot which is a favourite particularly with the queen, — favourite particularly with the queen, and then the forthcoming visit, _ queen, and then the forthcoming visit, state — queen, and then the forthcoming visit, state visit of the emperor and empress ofjapan, who will arrive _ and empress ofjapan, who will arrive on— and empress ofjapan, who will arrive on the 22nd ofjune. it all goes _ arrive on the 22nd ofjune. it all goes on — arrive on the 22nd ofjune. it all goes on it— arrive on the 22nd ofjune. it all goes on. it has been a frustrating time _ goes on. it has been a frustrating time for— goes on. it has been a frustrating time for the king because he is a workaholic— time for the king because he is a workaholic by instinct, and he has been _ workaholic by instinct, and he has been feeling a bit impatient, he wants— been feeling a bit impatient, he wants to — been feeling a bit impatient, he wants to get on with doing all he has to— wants to get on with doing all he has to do — wants to get on with doing all he has to do i_ wants to get on with doing all he has to do. i think the queen has occasionally been frustrated that he has not _ occasionally been frustrated that he has not slowed down. he says, he will not _ has not slowed down. he says, he will not do — has not slowed down. he says, he will not do as he's told! —— she says. _ will not do as he's told! —— she says. he — will not do as he's told! —— she says. he will— will not do as he's told! —— she says, he will not do as he told! but if you _ says, he will not do as he told! but if you are _ says, he will not do as he told! but if you are the king, you don't have to do— if you are the king, you don't have to do what— if you are the king, you don't have to do what you are told, not much point _ to do what you are told, not much point in _ to do what you are told, not much point in being king if you can't 'ust point in being king if you can't just carry— point in being king if you can't just carry on regardless, is there? the king. — just carry on regardless, is there? the king, patron or president of more than 400 charities, the queen, 100 charities, there is a lot of work going on. 100 charities, there is a lot of work going on-_ 100 charities, there is a lot of work ttoin on. : , , work going on. and it is interesting and innocent _ work going on. and it is interesting and innocent inspiring _ work going on. and it is interesting and innocent inspiring for - work going on. and it is interesting and innocent inspiring for people i and innocent inspiring for people like me — and innocent inspiring for people like me who are ripe and he has, here_ like me who are ripe and he has, here they— like me who are ripe and he has, here they are, the queen will be 77 next month— here they are, the queen will be 77 next month on the 17th ofjuly, the kin- next month on the 17th ofjuly, the king will— next month on the 17th ofjuly, the king will be 76 in november. and 'ust king will be 76 in november. and just as _ king will be 76 in november. and just as many people might be slowing down, _ just as many people might be slowing down, they— just as many people might be slowing down, they are having to speed up, taking _ down, they are having to speed up, taking on— down, they are having to speed up, taking on more and more duties. but ithink— taking on more and more duties. but i think they— taking on more and more duties. but i think they do get satisfaction from _ i think they do get satisfaction from it. — i think they do get satisfaction from it, because they see what it inspires— from it, because they see what it inspires and other people. the kin t 's inspires and other people. the king's troop — inspires and other people. the king's troop are _ inspires and other people. tue king's troop are now in position, waiting to fire the first gun of the 41 gun royal salute at 12:52pm precisely. the commanding officer major john baileff shortly will give the order to fire. numberone, fire! numbertwo, fire! the regimental sergeant major peter pagan—skelley next to him will pierce a piece of leather to keep track of the number of rounds. here is a quiz question for you, gyles. do you know why it is a 41 gun salute?— gyles. do you know why it is a 41 gun salute? gyles. do you know why it is a 41 tun salute? �* . i. . gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that. i'm gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that- i'm so — gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that- i'm so glad _ gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that. i'm so glad you _ gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that. i'm so glad you asked _ gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that. i'm so glad you asked me - gun salute? i'm so glad you asked me that. i'm so glad you asked me that i that. i'm so glad you asked me that because _ that. i'm so glad you asked me that because i_ that. i'm so glad you asked me that because i have never known the difference — because i have never known the difference between a 21 gun salute and a _ difference between a 21 gun salute and a 41— difference between a 21 gun salute and a 41 gun salute, explain the numbers — and a 41 gun salute, explain the numbers. ' . , numbers. the 21 gun salute as the r0 al tun numbers. the 21 gun salute as the royal gun salute _ numbers. the 21 gun salute as the royal gun salute for— numbers. the 21 gun salute as the royal gun salute for the _ numbers. the 21 gun salute as the royal gun salute for the king - numbers. the 21 gun salute as the royal gun salute for the king and l royal gun salute for the king and has historic origins at sea, when the ships entered port they discharged their guns to show no hostile intent, the full exchange is 21 guns and it adds 20 because it is taking place in a royal park. as the royal salute continues in green park, we are nearing one of the highlights of the day. the royal air force flypast. the aircraft are already in the air and they include, of course numberfour, fire! numberfive, fire! _ numbersix, fire! numberone, fire! numbertwo, fire! numberthree, fire! numberfour, fire! numberfive, fire! _ numbersix, fire! numberone, fire! number two... cannons fire 34 today, you have helicopters, the ch 47 coming in, the training aircraft, the hawk t2, the venom and texan, at our big i have to say, when you're standing is to buckingham palace, it echoes through your rib cage. iauthat is to buckingham palace, it echoes through your rib cage.— through your rib cage. what about the slit, through your rib cage. what about the split, we've _ through your rib cage. what about the split, we've had _ through your rib cage. what about the split, we've had the _ through your rib cage. what about the split, we've had the growing i the split, we've had the growing formalities, the precision drill for the best part of two hours, the carriages and the horses. this is the bit where the police let all the quotes through, we sat together at moment. everyone is here to watch the raf. it is attained honoured ritual, but it never loses its magic. ritual, but it never loses its matic. : . , magic. and when the royal family look out over— magic. and when the royal family look out over the _ magic. and when the royal family look out over the balcony, - magic. and when the royal family look out over the balcony, they i magic. and when the royal family i look out over the balcony, they will see those flags that you can see there. this is the protest, the republican protests that have been here all morning. it is part of the whole event, i think now stop the whole event, i think now stop tue: constitutional monarchy protects the rights for everybody to have their say. they are very small in the scheme of things, probably a couple of dozens, but nobody is trying to stop them. there is quite good—natured counter chanting going good—natu red counter chanting going over there good—natured counter chanting going over there between the, not my king, and the yes, my king. iestate over there between the, not my king, and the yes, my king.— and the yes, my king. we have had torrential rain, _ and the yes, my king. we have had torrential rain, thunder— and the yes, my king. we have had torrential rain, thunder and - torrential rain, thunder and lightning. i spoke to the raf, and they said is the fly—past really going to go ahead in this cosmic they said oh yes, it is localised errors, we will go to the forecast and it will be fine. my goodness, they were right. 20 and it will be fine. my goodness, they were right.— and it will be fine. my goodness, they were right. 20 minutes ago, i thoutht they were right. 20 minutes ago, i thought you _ they were right. 20 minutes ago, i thought you wouldn't _ they were right. 20 minutes ago, i thought you wouldn't get - they were right. 20 minutes ago, i thought you wouldn't get anything | thought you wouldn't get anything coming over. look at it now. it is june for you. the brollies are starting to come down, and on cue, we are going to get that glorious eight, one of the great sights when the red arrows come down the mall with their red white and blue. absolute rate, it is a sight to behold. it should be happening in the next three minutes or so. when we hand you right back to the bbc special events team. the king, it is a family image that we will see shortly on the balcony which is so important and indelible, really, in our minds. bud which is so important and indelible, really, in our minds.— which is so important and indelible, really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there — really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there is _ really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there is a _ really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there is a little _ really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there is a little bit _ really, in our minds. and behind the scenes there is a little bit of - scenes there is a little bit of domestic— scenes there is a little bit of domestic drama going on to make sure the people _ domestic drama going on to make sure the people come on in the right order~ — the people come on in the right order~ the _ the people come on in the right order. the master of the household is probably— order. the master of the household is probably there at the moment saying. — is probably there at the moment saying, sir, would you mind, not quite _ saying, sir, would you mind, not quite yet. — saying, sir, would you mind, not quite yet, making sure they come out in the _ quite yet, making sure they come out in the correct — quite yet, making sure they come out in the correct order so we see them all on _ in the correct order so we see them all on parade. this is an iconic moment, _ all on parade. this is an iconic moment, it _ all on parade. this is an iconic moment, it has been going on, this kind of— moment, it has been going on, this kind of thing, since 1851. the time of the _ kind of thing, since 1851. the time of the great exhibition. that was masterminded by prince albert, the consort _ masterminded by prince albert, the consort to— masterminded by prince albert, the consort to queen victoria, that is when _ consort to queen victoria, that is when all— consort to queen victoria, that is when all of— consort to queen victoria, that is when all of this really began in this part — when all of this really began in this part of the world. and here they— this part of the world. and here they come _ this part of the world. and here they come-— this part of the world. and here the come. ' . , they come. the 41 gun salute has come to an _ they come. the 41 gun salute has come to an end, _ they come. the 41 gun salute has come to an end, and _ they come. the 41 gun salute has come to an end, and a _ they come. the 41 gun salute has come to an end, and a very - they come. the 41 gun salute has i come to an end, and a very shortly, we will see, as wing commander nikki lofthouse told us, 34 aircraft from the raf. taking part in the fly—past. here come the king and the queen, and the other members of the royal family, onto the balcony. so they can raise their eyes to the skies. ten of the 15 squadrons represented were involved in the day and in the first wave, we have three chinook helicopters from number seven squadron. the squadron is based at raf odiham in hampshire and is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. you can really feel the noise from those _ you can really feel the noise from those helicopters as it goes right through— those helicopters as it goes right through you. an impressive way to start— through you. an impressive way to start the _ through you. an impressive way to start the fly—past. through you. an impressive way to start the fly— past. and through you. an impressive way to start the fly-past. and appreciation from the prince _ start the fly-past. and appreciation from the prince of— start the fly-past. and appreciation from the prince of wales _ start the fly-past. and appreciation from the prince of wales and - start the fly-past. and appreciation from the prince of wales and king i from the prince of wales and king into what it takes to be a pilot. following the chinooks are three typhoons from number 29 squadron from raf coningsby, lincolnshire. this wave would have been a lancaster, spitfire, and hurricane from the battle of britain memorial flight. but the tragic death of squadron leader mark long in a spitfire crash just a few weeks ago means that there is understandably a change. all three typhoon pilots flying were close friends and colleagues of squadron leader long. the formation is using the battle of britain memorial flight radio callsign of "memorial flight" in his honour. the king and the queen and the duke and duchess of edinburgh looking up now. the c—17 globemaster from 99 squadron based at raf brize norton. this is the largest aircraft in the flypast today. behind the typhoons are three raf training aircraft: a phenom t1 from raf cranwell and two texan t1s from raf valley. the c—17 globemaster from 99 squadron based at raf brize norton. it has been involved in ukraine and the middle east. wing commander nikki lofthouse spoke earlier to radzi about her squadron — she is the first female c0 of 99 squadron. now the second wave of transport aircraft — the voyager, a modified civilian airbus a330—200 passenger aircraft and an a400m atlas. the voyager is the raf�*s sole air—to—air refuelling aircraft. fuel is carried within the existing tanks in the wings, centre, and tail fuel tanks. the a400m atlas that follows can carry 30—tonnes and can land on remote airfields, or landing on short, unprepared, or semi—prepared strips. the sixth wave of the flypast consists of a poseidon mra1 from raf lossiemouth with a a typhoon fgr4 from raf coningsby on each wing. on board the poseidon is wing commander andy shaw — the mission commanderfor the all the aircraft in the flypast today. he will be in the rear of the aircraft, monitoring radios and displays and making sure every aircraft in the entire flypast today can safely make it over the palace on time, and then back to their home bases. flying behind the poseidon and typhoons is the rivetjoint from raf waddington with another two typhoons from raf coningsby. and there is a lot of experience on the balcony amongst members of the royal family in terms of flying. the king and the prince of wales and i think interest is also from the younger members and king george vi also served with the raf. and he was the first member of the british royal family to be certified as a fully qualified pilot. next a formation of three hawk t2s from raf valley in wales. the hawk is used for flying training, bringing personnel up to fast jet operational standards. the prince of wales joint the squadron in anglesey in september 2010 and was a search and rescue pilot and spent three years doing that. and therefore he is the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an raf pilot. he must be sent to prince louis you could do that! flying behind the hawks is a formation of four f—35b lightning jets. from 617 squadron based at raf marham in norfolk. a short take—off and vertical landing aircraft, they can operate from difficult environments and come off aircraft carriers. their commanding officer wing commander stew campbell has served in the raf for 21 yea rs. providing the colourful finale to the flypast is the raf aerobatic team — the red arrows. it's a big yearfor them — celebrating their 60th display season in 2024. since their formation they have given almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries. they are led by red 1, squadron leaderjon bond. a former frontline typhoon pilot, this is jon's first year as the team leader. as the red white and blue makes its way through the blue skies and over buckingham palace. crowd cheer recognition from those on the balcony to the fans below who having brave the weather are now treated with summer sunshine. national anthem plays crowd cheer as the royal party make their way back inside yourfinal as the royal party make their way back inside your final thoughts, chris, on today? it back inside your final thoughts, chris, on today?— chris, on today? it has been outstanding, _ chris, on today? it has been outstanding, a _ chris, on today? it has been outstanding, a lot _ chris, on today? it has been outstanding, a lot of- chris, on today? it has been outstanding, a lot of hard i chris, on today? it has been i outstanding, a lot of hard work chris, on today? it has been - outstanding, a lot of hard work and dedication and they delivered something really special. it dedication and they delivered something really special. it was extraordinary _ something really special. it was extraordinary to _ something really special. it was extraordinary to see _ something really special. it was extraordinary to see this - something really special. it was extraordinary to see this new i something really special. it was i extraordinary to see this new royal family. _ extraordinary to see this new royal family, three generations on parade. something _ family, three generations on parade. something that has been happening for so _ something that has been happening for so many hundreds of years. and of course you _ for so many hundreds of years. and of course you can _ for so many hundreds of years. fine of course you can watch highlights of course you can watch highlights of the events of the day this evening at 5:50pm on bbc two or bbc iplayer. in the meantime, many thanks to my expert co—commentators. and what an impressive and magnificent celebration to mark the official birthday of king charles iii. a day of pageantry and history. with huge respect and thanks to all those who have taken part in trooping the colour for 2024, from all of us here at the bbc we bid you farewell. we now go around the world for the news. the leader of the national unity governments. power—sharing agreement after it lost and on white majority of last month's elections. the main partner is a long—time opponent, the democratic alliance. it was said that south african people expected the parties involved to work together to tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality. it is unemployment, and inequality. it is with pleasure _ unemployment, and inequality. tit 3 with pleasure that i accept that it will once again be a privilege and a pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president i accept pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president i accept this pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president i accept this bi- pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president i accept this big responsibility, pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president i accept this big responsibility, and i wish to thank all of the leaders for your congratulatory messages delivered here at this podium. your messages are a clear clarion call for working together. your messages constitute what i see as a well of encouragement, of good advice, and of wisdom. ~ , of wisdom. south african president ramaphosa- _ of wisdom. south african president ramaphosa- ln _ of wisdom. south african president ramaphosa. in the _ of wisdom. south african president ramaphosa. in the uk, _ of wisdom. south african president | ramaphosa. in the uk, sandwiches, wraps, and salads in major supermarkets are being recalled because of a possible contamination with e. coli. the bacteria hasn't been detected in the items, but at least 60 products are being removed as a precaution. our health correspondent has the latest. i recall of this