Britain’s annual tradition for the Queen’s birthday is a ceremonial re-enactment of the way battle flags were once shown to soldiers to make sure they would recognise a crucial rallying point if they became disoriented in combat.
Each year a different unit in the army’s Household Division has the honour of trooping its colour. The 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards took the spotlight during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee.
Before the event, tributes poured in for the monarch. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on your remarkable Platinum Jubilee. The whole country, Commonwealth and world thank you for your unwavering duty and service. Vivat Regina Elizabetha! God Save The Queen!”
Former Prime Minister John Major said the monarch’s stoic presence had helped steer the country over the decades. “The Queen has represented our better selves for over 70 years,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the Queen “the golden thread that binds our two countries” and one of “very few constants” on the international stage.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama recalled the Queen’s “grace and generosity” during his first visit to the Palace. He said he had “learned so much from seeing the example she set for all of us who have the privilege to serve.”
“Your life has been a gift, not just to the United Kingdom but to the world,” Obama said in a video message, adding: “May the light of your crown continue to reign supreme.”
This story is from the Issue 58 edition of Royal Britain Presents Royal Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 58 edition of Royal Britain Presents Royal Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE ROYALS AT CHRISTMAS
The Royal Family traditionally spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House, the King’s country estate in Norfolk.
PRINCESS BEATRICE AT RAINBOW TRUST
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice joined hundreds of guests at the stunning St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge on December 7th for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity’s much-loved annual London Carol Concert.
THE KING'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE AND A CORONATION CARD
If there is one family that knows how to stick to a tradition at Christmas time, it is the Royal Family.
The Royal Green Lungs of London.
The Royal Parks are famously called “the lungs of London” but they are also its heart. There are eight of them in all, and every one is open to the public. In the first of a 2-part feature we look into the rich historical background of some of the most famous urban parks in the world...
THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen, recently opened Parliament for the first time since his Accession. We look back at the history of this historic ceremony which is steeped in tradition and symbolism...
KEEPING UP A CHRISTMAS TRADITION
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis celebrated the festive season with their now traditional Together at Christmas carol service...
THE KING AND QUEEN IN KENYA
Inlate.October King Charles, joined by Queen Camilla, embarked on a four-day visit to Kenya, addressing issues related to the climate crisis, education and the importance of national security, as well as Britain’s colonial past...
KING CHARLES HOSTS A KOREAN STATE VISIT
The President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, accompanied by Mrs Kim Keon Hee, paid a State Visit to the UK as the guest of His Majesty the King from 21st to 23rd November 2023.
KING AND QUEEN VISIT POUNDBURY
The King and Queen travelled to Poundbury in Dorset on June 27th to open a new garden named after the King’s late father, Prince Philip
PRINCE HELPS THE HOMELESS
Prince William recently launched a major five-year campaign to end homelessness, which he says should not exist in a “modern and progressive society.”