Royal Assassination Attempt: Queen Elizabeth’s Trooping the Colour Scare
The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony is a highlight of the British royal calendar, marking the official birthday celebration of the monarch. However, in 1981, the event took a dramatic turn when Queen Elizabeth II was the target of an assassination attempt. The incident, which occurred on June 13, 1981, has been recalled in the wake of the upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony, and The Express takes a look back at the shocking events that unfolded.
According to reports from The Express, the Queen was riding her beloved horse, Burmese, down The Mall during the parade when six blank shots were fired in her direction. The newspaper recounts that the Queen’s horse was petrified by the shots, but she calmly soothed the animal and continued with the parade, seemingly unfazed by the danger she had just faced. The newspaper also reported that a soldier, Lance-Corporal Alex Galloway, quickly apprehended the would-be assassin, 17-year-old Marcus Sarjeant, tackling him to the ground before he could cause any further harm.
As The Express notes, Sarjeant’s motivations for the attack were chillingly revealed in his statement to Lance-Corporal Galloway. The newspaper quotes Sarjeant as saying, "I wanted to be a somebody" and "I wanted to be famous." These words have been cited as a stark example of the disturbed mindset of the young man who had purchased two imitation Colt Python revolvers for £66.90 before the event. The Express also reports that Sarjeant had sent a letter to Buckingham Palace before the attack, although it arrived three days after the incident. The letter, which was reportedly received by the Palace, read: "Your Majesty. Don’t go to the Trooping the Colour ceremony because there is an assassin set up to kill you, waiting just outside the palace."
The newspaper also reveals that Sarjeant was jailed for five years under the 1842 Treason Act, a sentence that reflected the gravity of his actions. During his prison sentence, it is believed that Sarjeant sent a letter of apology to the late Queen, a gesture that has been seen as a belated acknowledgement of the gravity of his crime. Despite the frightening experience, the Queen showed remarkable resilience and courage, returning to horseback riding at later Trooping the Colour ceremonies.
This year, however, The Express notes that King Charles, 76, will not be riding horseback in the parade, opting instead to travel in a carriage. This decision follows the monarch’s cancer diagnosis, for which he is still undergoing treatment. As The Express previously reported, the King has previously demonstrated his equestrian skills, but his health concerns have necessitated a change in plans.
The attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 sent shockwaves throughout the nation, highlighting the risks and challenges that members of the royal family face. As The Express recalls, the incident was a stark reminder of the security threats that the monarchy must confront, and the bravery and composure that its members must demonstrate in the face of danger. As the royal family prepares for this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, the events of 1981 serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and security in protecting the nation’s leaders.
The Queen’s Trooping the Colour ceremony will take place on 17 June and is a celebration of the official birthday of the monarch. For more information on the Trooping the Colour, visit The Express for up-to-date coverage.
