The King’s annual birthday parade, Trooping The Colour, is little under two weeks away, with the event’s key participants putting together the final touches ahead of the summer highlight.

More than 1,000 soldiers and 200 horses from the Household Division will take part in the parade, which is attended by thousands of spectators – including His Majesty himself.

Pictures taken at Hyde Park Barracks on Wednesday show some of the finishing touches, with drum horse Major Apollo being brushed by Trooper Scott of the Household Cavalry.

Apollo stands at over 17 hands (1.73m) and weighs nearly 800kg (125 stone). He has been specially trained to carry a musician and drums during ceremonial events such as Trooping The Colour.

Like all drum horses, he carries the rank of major which makes him senior to all other animals of rank in the Army.

The horse is highly experiences, and has taken part in events of huge national importance, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

A spokesperson for the Household Division said: “The King’s Birthday Parade is the Household Division’s special opportunity to wish His Majesty a happy birthday and illustrates all that is important about soldiering: discipline, detail, teamwork, commitment and endurance”.

This year, Number 7 Company the Coldstream Guards will have the honour of trooping their Colour.

The event will take place on Saturday 14th June.