Kmflett's Blog

Trooping the Colour took place at Horseguards in central London on 14th June. It doesn’t have a set date but is held in June because the weather is likely to be better. It coincides more or less with the current monarch, King Charlie’s birthday.

I was watching South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Final but kept on eye on the TV coverage. It suggested the possibility of a new Monty Python film. There is no point to Trooping the Colour except as a ceremonial occasion.

Like anything to do with Royalty Medieval origins are claimed but the modern ceremony dates from 1889 and really became of note after it was first televised in 1937. Where Royal Families or similar (see President Trump) continue to exist across the globe such ceremonies will be found.

Terence Ranger and Eric Hobsbawm edited a volume titled The Invention of Tradition. Of course all traditions are invented at some point. The interesting historical question is when they were invented and why.

Trooping the Colour in its present form dates from the later years of Queen Victoria’s reign (died 1901). It was boosted by TV coverage in more recent times. As a parade it is (without question) an example of how well the British State can pull off a ceremonial parade. Historically Royal ceremonials were often chaotic but were reinvented in the late Victorian period. The parade is a symbol of imperial authority but if its not done well- think Trump on 14th June-it can send the reverse message.

Keir and Victoria Starmer were present, but while there are many things that can be said about the Labour leader in fact attendance is also a tradition. Government papers released by the National Archives related to the National Dock strike in 1966 contains documents where Harold Wilson and other Cabinet members are trying to resolve the dispute while at least giving the appearance of paying attention to the Trooping of the Colour. Starmer being a Statal person I suspect genuinely liked it…