Queen Elizabeth’s traditional parade,Trooping the Colour, has beencanceled for the second yearin a row due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Plans are being explored for a scaled-down celebration likely to take place in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle,like last year, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
The statement added that the annual Garter service that usually takes place at St. George’s Chapel on the Monday after Trooping the Colour, will also not be taking place.
The Royal Family enjoying the view from the balcony at the palace.Chris Jackson/Getty
Although vaccinations are continuing successfully and rates of COVID-19 illnesses are falling steadily in the U.K., restrictions around large public gatherings are not likely to be eased for months. Trooping the Colour usually brings thousands of people onto the streets of central London to view the procession of horseback-riding royals and carriages.
The festive morning ends with a traditional fly-past over Buckingham Palace, with the extended royal family gathered on the balcony.
The Queen watches last year’s parade.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Get the premiere issue of PEOPLERoyalsfor glamorous new photos and inside stories royals fans haven’t seen or read elsewhere! Subscribe atpeopleroyals.com/launch
Although the Queen’s 95th birthday is on April 21, Trooping the Colour always takes place in the early summer of the second weekend in June. This year it was set for June 12.
It comes at a special time for the family, as the Queen’s husband,Prince Philip– who wasreleased from a month-long hospital stayon Tuesday – turns 100 two days earlier on June 10.
In December, the most senior working royals, includingPrince Charles,Prince William, Kate Middleton and Princess Anne,joined the Queen for an intimate carols servicein the quadrangle — something that raises hopes that some of her family will be able to be alongside Queen Elizabeth at any planned birthday celebration in June.
source: people.com
