Walk through the tunnel under the Horse Guards building and you will be in a large open space known as Horse Guards Parade. Back in the 16th century, when Whitehall was the royal palace, this was established as a ‘tiltyard’, where jousting tournaments were held as an amusement for King Henry VIII. In more recent times it has become a space for royal and military occasions. Each day a ceremony is held for the changing of mounted guards. (Check for times). A spectacular annual occasion is held here each June. The monarch and royal family arrive from Buckingham Palace in open horse-drawn carriages to witness 2,000 calvary and foot soldiers, the event known as ‘Trooping the Colour’.