Trooping the Colour 2023 (and Royal Flypast)

On Saturday 17 June 2023, the Editor and Spouse were privileged to attend the annual Trooping the Colour (King’s Birthday) ceremony at Horseguards Parade, the first occasion His Majesty The King took the Salute. A very early start, dressed in Sunday best (on a very humid summer morning) saw us take our place amongst the great, good and fortunate to attend this Military spectacle. Fortunately, unlike the rehearsals which were held in the heat of late May/early June the sky remained cloudy keeping the direct sun of assembled troops. A fantastic performance by all involved.. well worth the early start. After the ceremony we joined the thousands advancing down the Mall to see the Royal Family appear on the balcony. As part of the audience to Trooping we were amongst the first to arrive in front of the Victoria Memorial and were well placed to see the Royals as they appeared.

Meanwhile back on Station, the MOB operations team had been busy assembling 28 RW assets from across Joint Helicopter Command that were to take part in the postponed Coronation flypast (well in the case of the RW element, re-run). Hard work, head scratching and helicopter Jenga on Friday 16 and early Saturday 17 June saw (almost) all elements depart the Station enroute to form up for the flypast.

On que, the royal flypast took place over the palace whilst the Royal family were on the balcony. A perfect end to an amazing morning.