LONDON — Hundreds of British soldiers in tall bearskin hats and ceremonial dress marched Saturday in central London for the “Trooping the Color” parade, an annual display of pomp and pageantry that marks the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

The queen rode in a vintage horse-drawn carriage with her husband Prince Philip, starting from Buckingham Palace.

“Trooping the Color” originated from traditional preparations for battle, when flags were carried or “trooped” down the ranks for soldiers to see.

The queen turned 88 on April 21, her actual birth date, which is usually celebrated in private.