The official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen is marked each year by a colourful and historic military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour.
It is carried out by regiments of the Commonwealth as well as the British Army. First performed during the reign of Charles II it has traditionally been held on the Sovereign's birthday.
The Colours
In battle, a regiment's flags, or "colours", were used as rallying points. Off the battlefield they also represented the regiment's direct link and service to the King or Queen, as well as to the fallen men of the regiment. The greatest humiliation for a regiment was to lose their colours, whilst it was the greatest glory on the battlefield to capture the colours of the enemy.
The carrying of colours isn't a privilege given to all: only battalions of infantry regiments of the line have the honour. The Royal Artillery's colours are their guns and Rifle Regiments never carried covers as they didn't form a line - their drums carry their battle honours. As with most rules, there is one exception - the Honourable Artillery company, as they have both colours and guns.
The Ceremony Itself
The phrase 'trooping the colour' comes from the tradition whereby the colours were marched through the ranks (who had fallen in by companies) so that every man could see that the colours were intact. This was carried out before and after every battle but is largely for ceremonial purposes only today.
Our covers
Our stunning cover captures the excitement of the event and We are proud to have worked with the Royal Collection. Major Roberts, the Officer who organises Trooping of the Colour, signed a limited number to raise money for the Cavalry Museum appeal.
In addition to the signed and unsigned covers we are also delighted to offer some unique alternatives. The unsigned cover is also available with a special Horse Guards Avenue postmark. A limited number were also flown by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in the Royal Flypast on 11th June 2005! This cover features an Irish Guards postmark plus a Spitfire stamp and Royal Flight Cachet. These really are something very special and only a limited number exist>
Don't miss our Special Flown Covers!
Quick Facts: Trooping the Colour (stamps) is a First-day Cover Issue date (2005-06-07): 07 June 2005
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Buckingham Covers Limited, registered in England No. 03877048 is part of Internet Stamps Group Limited, registered in England No. 03497867. Registered office for both: Warren House, Shearway Rd, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4BF, UK.
Tel. (+44)01303 278 137. Email. betty@buckinghamcovers.com
