LONDON — Soldiers in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats marched in formation Saturday — a showcase of Britain's best pomp and pageantry — to celebrate the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen actually turned 81 on April 21. But one of the many perks of wearing the crown is a second, official birthday in June, marked with the annual Trooping the Color parade.
The British monarch wore a bright green coat and hat to inspect the troops gathered in her honor in central London. Dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, also attended the annual event.
The parade is a full-on display of British pageantry, with more than 1,100 soldiers in full regalia marching down the Mall — the wide, leafy boulevard that runs from Buckingham Palace toward Trafalgar Square.
The queen inspected the troops on Horse Guards Parade, and then the royal family returned to Buckingham Palace, gathering on the building's famous balcony for a flypast of military aircraft.
The queen was joined on the balcony by many family members, including Prince William — who was in military uniform — Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The event, which began as traditional military preparations, is now a huge draw for tourists, with thousands lining the parade route to catch a glimpse of Britain's royals.
Nine people were arrested but were released without charge after the ceremony. Police said they were responding to reports that fathers' rights group Fathers 4 Justice was planning "a spectacular event."
The group's members have a history of high-profile stunts, including invading a television studio during a live broadcast and climbing prominent structures clad in superhero costumes.