The annual British pageant is a reminder of how far England has fallen.

Trooping the Colour is an annual British event nominally performed around the time of the birthday of the reigning monarch. It has been a British custom since 1748 and was canceled only a handful of times: in 1926 due to a general strike, in 1948 due to weather, in 1955 due to a national rail strike, and during World War I and II. The multi-hour event shows the professionalism of the British military as well as the close relationship between the royal family and the British armed services. Several members of the immediate royal family, including the king, queen, Princess Anne, and Prince William, were dressed in military attire. As an American, I can neither remember the names of the various units present nor understand the order of events, however patiently the broadcaster explained what was happening; I don’t understand what people are shouting on the parade grounds. It is quite the spectacle and a reminder of when England was truly a military power.

But just like watching a great athlete at the twilight of his career or a dancer who can no longer achieve what once seemed so easy, the 2026 Trooping the Colour was a sad reminder that England is standing in the checkout lane. From the late 16th century until after World War II, England ruled the seas. She had an empire that spanned the globe. She was a leader in economic, military, and cultural realms. As late as the 1960s, the country that had Hong Kong in its portfolio and birthed the Concorde also produced the Beatles and James Bond. That was then, but it certainly is not now. This year’s event took place one week after the Defense Minister resigned due to a too-small budget. England contributed nothing to the Iran War, and its provision of weapons to Ukraine has helped to deplete its already low stocks.

Just as Moody’s can give an A- rating for a country’s financial well-being, I would........

© Townhall