13 June 2021
The Australian Army celebrated the Queen’s Birthday with a traditional Queen’s Birthday Parade, performed by the Royal Military College – Duntroon (RMC-D) in Canberra.
The Corps of Staff Cadets were joined by Army leaders, dignitaries, family and friends for the ceremony.
The Governor-General General (Retd) David Hurley, who graduated from RMC-D in 1975, was the reviewing officer for the parade. It was his first time attending the ceremony since being sworn into his role as Governor-General.
The Commandant of the Royal Military College of Australia, Brigadier Ana Duncan, who graduated class of 1996, said the parade was a chance for staff cadets to continue a proud tradition.
“Since 1956, Duntroon has been trooping the Queen's Colour,” Brigadier Duncan said.
“On the parade ground, the Queen’s Colour is deemed equal to the presence of Her Majesty The Queen herself.
“Taking part in the Queen’s Birthday Parade is a highlight for our staff cadets, it’s symbolic of the importance of Duntroon’s rich history, heritage and traditions.”
The Queen’s Birthday Parade was cancelled last year because of COVID-19.
Deputy Chief of the Army Major General Anthony Rawlins said this year’s parade was a welcome return to ceremonial events in the nation’s capital.
“The Australian Army is held in high regard by the Australian public, and it’s fitting that we demonstrate our loyalty to the nation with the trooping of the Queen's Colour,” Major General Rawlins said.
“The parade is also a demonstration of the professionalism the staff cadets apply to their training, and is an event likely to be remembered fondly by every cadet for the rest of their lives.”
RMC-D prepares Army’s future leaders by promoting leadership and integrity, inspiring high-ideals and the pursuit of excellence, and instilling a sense of duty, loyalty and service to the nation.
Situated at the former Campbell homestead at Duntroon, the college was opened in 1911 to oversee the initial military training of all officers in the Australian Army.
Imagery from the Queen's Birthday Parade is available here.
