Queen of England Celebrates 'Official' Birthday Two Months After Her Real Birthday

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Zach Noble

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LONDON (AP) — Hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial dress have marched in London in the annual "Trooping the Color" parade to mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh travel by carriage during Trooping the Colour - Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Parade, at The Royal Horseguards on June 14, 2014 in London, England. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The queen and her husband Prince Philip rode in a vintage horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace, inspecting more than 1,000 soldiers in a traditional display of pomp and pageantry. Many of the troops wore tall bearskin hats and red military tunics for Saturday's ceremony.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Members of the Queen's Guard march prior to the Trooping the Colour - Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Parade, at The Royal Horseguards on June 14, 2014 in London, England. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

"Trooping the Color" originated from traditional preparations for battle, when flags were carried or "trooped" down the rank for soldiers to see.

The queen turned 88 on April 21, her actual birth date, which is usually celebrated in private. The monarch traditionally marks her birthday publicly in June.

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