Trooping the Colour 2013.

"What the heck is Trooping the Colour?"

 Good question. Let me tell you. It actually dates back to 1748 and traditionally marks the Sovereign's birthday.

"But Courtenay, Her Majesty's birthday is April 21st!"

Yes, but it is a long standing tradition to celebrate the Queen's birthday publicly on a day in the summer when good weather is more likely.

"Is it the same day every year?"

Don't be ridiculous. This year, it was the first Saturday in June, but it changes from year to year.

"I still don't get it. What is it?"

It's known as the Queen's birthday parade. It is carried out by fully operational troops from the Household Division (yes, I had to look this up). This includes Foot Guards and Household Cavalry.

The main event takes place on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. It is watched by members of the Royal Family, invited guests, and lucky members of the public (through a lottery system similar to the Olympics).

Those (like ourselves) who weren't lucky enough to get their hands on a pair of tickets, can line up along the Mall to see what they can see....and that is what we did.

Some get creative....clearly they've done this before.

Others get cosy....these two don't know each other. I promise.

During the Ceremony, the Queen is greeted by a Royal Salute, and carries out an inspection of the troops.

Below you can see her in the background, in her carriage inspecting the troops.

With very little warning, along came a carriage that made my day. I honestly don't know who I was happier to see. 

And then....

Ta Daaaaa.

I got to see 'them' on the way there...and on the way back (Bonus!).

"Then what?"

When the inspection and performance (military bands etc) are finished, Liz heads back to the Palace in a horse drawn Carriage. 

Back at the Palace, the family enjoys canapes (or so we suspect) while the Air Force get themselves ready, and we organise ourselves around the Palace gate. This allowed my heart rate to settle itself, which was key for what was about to take place. 

An hour or so after arriving back at the palace, the entire family (minus Phillip who was in hospital) join Her Majesty on the Balcony for a Fly-Past by the Royal Air Force (I will explain at the bottom just exactly how we lucked out to get as close as we did). 

Something tells me, something exciting is about to happen...

Drum Roll.....................and here they are.

And my favourite shot of the day (below). I still can't believe I took this. What is great is that I keep seeing similar photos in the British Media. Yes, I'm very pleased with myself.

And Princess Eugenie with her sister, Princess Beatrice. Did you know that Beatrice went to Goldsmiths also?

Prince Edward with his wife Sophie Countess of Wessex, and their children, Lady Louise, 

and James, Viscount Severn. On the Left is Princess Michael of Kent.

 Camilla, Charles, and the Birthday girl.

So how did we manage this? I actually owe this entire experience to Jeremy, N's father. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes down to events such as this one. He told us to arrive around 10am and position ourselves along the Mall (where the Mall connects with the road down to Horse Guards Parade). By standing here, you will see the entire procession march towards Whitehall, and back (along with the Royal Family). This also places you in the perfect spot, when they take the gates down to file in line behind the police, who lead you in a very orderly fashion all the way down to the Palace gates.

As long as you time it well and are at the front of the pack, you will be in the perfect spot to get a front row position along the fence for the fly-past.

This is what it looked like as we waited behind the police line to move forward down the Mall.

Did you have a great weekend? I am still on a high after my day with the Royals. Yesterday we spent the day at Ham Polo Club. I'll tell you about it later this week.

Enjoy your Monday.

I will leave you with a shot of the Duke and Duchess. She looks great doesn't she?

A Royal Baby!

image.

I was in Canada for the Royal Wedding, the Queen's Jubilee, and the Olympics, but it looks like I'll be in London to welcome Britain's third in line to the throne.

Congratulations Will and Kate!

(and for the record, I called it a week ago)

The Great Olympic Hangover.

As a Vancouverite, I can't help but feel empathetic to the people of Great Britain, as the all too familiar post Olympic hangover begins to settle in. This time around, for Canadians,  it simply means changing the channels on our televisions for the first time in two weeks. While yes, this is a great physical feat for our thumbs, it is a lot easier emotionally, than experiencing first hand, the empty feeling, as the city slowly drains after hosting the world's largest party for fourteen straight days. We can all vouch that the Vancouver games left Canada with a greater sense of identity, but London 2012 has done that and more. A year ago, London was burning as riots broke out all over the city. The games have provided the people of the U.K. with a sense of cohesion, and perhaps a little optimism, that yes, while the hard times are far from over, they can and will get through it. Like most high profile sporting events, it will inspire generations of youth to compete. Team Great Britain's overall performance was outstanding. This display of athleticism proved to the world that they are a force to reckon with, but more importantly showed the British people that their programs have made huge strides, and that they now have the ability to compete with, and beat the world's best athletes. While I'm certain they dreamt of such domination in the lead-up to the games, I am sure very few thought it could be done. 

Between the Royal Wedding, the Queen's Jubilee, the Tour de France win, and the Olympics, it has been one high profile year for the British. Perhaps it was just what the doctor ordered to help and provide a much needed distraction and maybe a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel during a struggling economy. 

There is no doubt in my mind that the games have been an incredible success story, but like all good things, they must come to an end. I'll leave you with a few moments from these games that I know we'll all remember. 

Some of them pulled at my heart strings, some made me laugh, and others made me cry, but such is sport.

Canada's Women's soccer team celebrates a bronze medal (Canada's first medal in a traditional team sport since 1936)

Olympic and World Champion,  Mo Farah (a British Somali) winning Gold in both the 10,000, and the 5,000 m

An Olympic official warns the Korean and Chinese Badminton teams to play their best, with both teams determined to lose. All in all, four teams (eight athletes) were disqualified and sent home.

With her famous smile, U.S. swimmer, Missy Franklin (17 years old) is now a four time gold medallist and 200m backstroke world record holder

The Canadian Men's 4x100 relay team celebrates  what they initially thought was a bronze medal finish.

The Heartbreak that follows as they find out they've been disqualified for stepping on the line.

The Captain of our team, Jared Connaughton, who so gracefully took full responsibility for the disqualification only minutes after the race.

Jessica Ennis, British Heptathlete, golden girl, and gold medallist.

Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps (the most decorated Olympian). I won't forget Phelps' 22 medals, or Lochte's articulate television interviews.

Show-boating and all, Usain Bolt, now holding the world record for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m races

And lastly, by far my favourite Royal candid moment, showing even The Firm can let their hair down...

 Photo Credits:

Mohamed Farah: Here

4x100 celebration Here

4 x 100 Dcvastation here and here and here

Jessica Ennis here

China/Korea badminton here

Usain Bolt here

Women's Soccer Celebration here

Missy Franklin here

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte here

Will and Kate here

London 2012 Poster here