Preparations began even before the King’s coronation, with all seven regiments of the Household Division taking part, including the five regiments of the foot guards – Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh – and two mounted regiments – the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The Massed Bands of the Household Division performed a selection of new music, including a piece by Major Lauren Petriz-Watts, who will become the first female composer to have her composition played on a monarch’s birthday parade.

Welsh Guards Second Lieutenant Freddie Hopkisson, 23, said of the June 17 event: “This parade will be huge. It’s such an honour and we’re all feeling it.

“To get to do this key role at such a young age, carrying the Colour and all it represents, is the absolute pinnacle of my life.”

Thousands of spectators are expected to line The Mall to witness the King’s Birthday Parade next week.

The Trooping the Colour parade traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when each Lord or Baron flew their banner, known as a colour, so their followers could spot them in battle.