GALLERY: The best pictures from Trooping the Colour

The Queen with Prince Philip at the Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday. A minute's silence was held by the Queen at the start of the parade to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in West London, along with those killed in the recent UK terror attacks in London and Manchester.

The mark of respect followed  the release of her Majesty's official birthday message, which stated that it was "difficult to escape a very sombre national mood." The message, which was released on Twitter, read: "Today is traditionally a day of celebration. "This year, however, it is difficult to escape a very sombre national mood."

Her Majesty also said: "In recent months, the country has witnessed a succession of terrible tragedies. As a nation, we continue to reflect and pray for all those who have been directly affected by these events."

The Queen has only missed one a Trooping the Colour celebration, in 1955 when the event was cancelled due to a national rail strike. In the past, the monarch participated on horseback and trotted through the event, but she prefers to ride a carriage now.

The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant at the Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday, wearing a stunning pink dress and matching Jane Taylor hat. Kate joined her husband Prince William and Prince Harry at the annual event to celebrate the Queen's official birthday.

Prince Charles, Prince William and Princess Anne take part in the Trooping the Colour parade on horseback. All eyes were on the Duke of Cambridge riding in the annual parade, which has been running for 250 years. In 2011, William became Colonel of the Irish Guards and he certainly looked to be enjoying his role in the event on Saturday.

Little Princess Charlotte looked deep in thought as she watched Trooping the Colour with her mum the Duchess of Cambridge. Charlotte was dressed in sweet pink, floral summer dress for the occasion.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte watch the RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte peer out at the crowds at Trooping the Colour! The royal pair looked intrigued and excited to see the celebrations for their grandmother the Queen's official birthday on Saturday. They no doubt enjoyed watching dad Prince William on horseback during the parade.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie looked elegant wearing similar white, floral outfits and matching hats. The sisters sat in the carriage with their father Prince Andrew as they smiled for crowds at the Queen's birthday celebrations. Beatrice and Eugenie looked happy and relaxed at the annual royal parade.

Cute Prince George can't believe his eyes as he watches the RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Princess Charlotte looked to be having a wonderful time too on the Queen's official birthday.

The royal family on the balcomy at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess of Cambridge stands alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Princess Eugenie and Beatrice join them too. 

Soldiers march for the annual Trooping the Colour parade in celebration of the Queen's official birthday. The band also performs a musical troop as the regimental flag – or colour – is carried down the ranks. The Queen is then driven back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards.

The royal family watch the RAF flypast show to celebrate the Queen's birthday at the annual Trooping the Colour event at Buckingham Palace.

Mum Kate Middleton has a giggle with daugher Princess Charlotte as they join celebrations for the Tropping the Colour event on Saturday. Mum and daughter looked stunning in matching pink dresses.

The Queen leads the royal family as they gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Her Majesty looked elegant in light blue coat and matching hat. The young royals Prince George and Princess Charlotte clearly loved being part of the celebrations.

The Queen's troops form the parade down the Mall as soldiers line the roadside, on a wonderful sunny day in London. Trooping the Colour has been a highlight in the royal calendar for decades, when members of the public and the royal family come together to celebrate the Queen's official birthday in June. 

The military parade for Trooping the Colour, in honour of the Queen's official birthday. The ceremony involves a military parade and the chance for the Queen to inspect her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade in London. More than 1,400 officers take part as well as 200 horses and over 400 musicians from ten bands. The Queen has never missed the occasion.

Princess Charlotte takes a last look at the Trooping the Colour celebrations as she is carried back into Buckingham Palace by mum Kate, with brother Prince George at her side.

The Duchess of Cambridge can be seen looking out from the royal balcony after the Trooping the Colour parade. From another window a group of royal children peer out in excitement to watch the crowds below. Princess Charlotte made her debut last year and Duchess Kate said of Prince George: "I've honestly never seen him so excited. His face lit up."

A soldier is carried on a stretcher after fainting, presumably from the heat at the parade on Saturday. The event involves the royal family travelling in  procession via horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace, along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. When Her Majesty arrives at Horse Guards Parade, she is greeted by a royal salute and inspects the troops.