With many people dressed in top hat and tails, it was an afternoon of pomp, pageantry and well-practised precision marching played out in glorious sunshine.

Steeped in centuries of tradition, the event marked Her Majesty's 83rd birthday, and is an enactment of the traditional preparations for battle when the colours, or flags, were ''trooped'' down the ranks so that they would be seen and recognised by the soldiers.

The Queen is celebrating her official birthday with the Trooping the Colour parade.

More than 1,100 soldiers will take part in the traditional display of pomp and pageantry.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will ride in a vintage carriage from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in central London.

Prince William and Prince Harry, both likely to be in military uniform, are expected to travel in another horse drawn carriage with their stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall.

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Buckingham Palace has suspended a chauffeur who allegedly gave undercover reporters access to sensitive areas of the building.

The incident appears to be the latest of a number of royal security breaches.