15 Feb 12. In honour of The Queen’s 60 year reign, the Armed Forces will mount a special Parade and Muster at Windsor with Her Majesty on Saturday, 19 May. Nearly 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force will parade through Windsor Castle and town before Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh. They will then muster in the Castle grounds for a unique event before an audience of more than 3,000 Armed Forces personnel, their families, and veterans. An impressive, tri-Service flypast of current and historic aircraft will conclude the celebrations. Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said, “Her Majesty The Queen’s support and encouragement over the years has created a very special bond between our monarch and her forces. That link is felt by all those who have the privilege to wear Her Majesty’s uniform both in the UK and on many varied operations overseas. The Parade and Muster will truly be a day to remember. It is an opportunity to highlight the unique relationship The Queen has with the men and women of the Armed Forces and of the role she fills in our lives.”
The custom of the Armed Forces paying tribute to the Monarch during a Jubilee year is an established tradition. Similar celebrations were held during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Silver Jubilee of King George V, and the Silver and Golden Jubilees of the present Queen. The Parade and Muster will be the first time all three Services have visited The Queen for a dedicated event, and will be broadcast by BBC Television. Further details, including information on those marching in the parade and the aircraft taking part in the flypast, will be released in due course.