Soldiers, horses parade through London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday

June 16, 2013 at 4:35AM
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, as the Guards march past outside Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour at the Horse Guards Parade in London, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her birthday with traditional pomp and circumstance _ but without her husband by her side. Prince Philip remains in the hospital, recovering from exploratory abdominal surgery. The queen invited her cousin, the Duke of Kent, to accompany her in a vintage carriage. Other royals � including Prince
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, as the Guards march past outside Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour at the Horse Guards Parade in London, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her birthday with traditional pomp and circumstance. (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her birthday Saturday with traditional pomp and circumstance, followed by a visit to her husband in the hospital.

More than 1,000 soldiers, horses and musicians took part in the parade known as "Trooping the Color," an annual ceremony marking the queen's official birthday.

With Prince Philip unable to attend the celebration as he is recovering from abdominal surgery, the queen invited her cousin, the Duke of Kent, to accompany her in a vintage carriage.

The monarch's actual birthday was on April 21, when she turned 87.

The "Trooping the Color" ceremony originates from traditional battle preparations, when "colors," which refer to military flags, were carried down the rank to be seen by soldiers.

Other royals — including Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge — also were on hand to celebrate on Saturday.

After the parade, the queen visited Philip at a private London hospital.

Britain's Prince Harry, left, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, center, and Prince William, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, during the Trooping The Colour parade, in London, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her birthday with traditional pomp and circumstance _ but without her husband by her side. Prince Philip remains in the hospital, recovering from exploratory abdominal surgery. The queen invited her cousin, the Duke of Kent, to accompany her in a vintage carriage. Other r
Britain's Prince Harry, left, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, center, and Prince William, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, during the Trooping The Colour parade, in London, Saturday, June 15, 2013. (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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