Henry VIII established the Parade grounds as a jousting courtyard, though its function today is mostly ceremonial. Every year, the monarch's official birthday celebrations take place here in June. The annual event is called 'Trooping the Colour', and the British Sovereign promptly arrives in the carriage from Buckingham Palace to attend it. There are countless regiments, officers and military bands displaying their different flags and colours, which in the past was a way to increase army morale. The event is a well-rehearsed spectacle full of pageantry and tradition, with the monarch customarily inspecting and saluting the regiments. The Royal family then returns to Buckingham Palace, where they gather on the balcony to await the flypast by the Royal Air Force.