Watch: What is the Royal Navy tradition of putting the Queen to bed?

Every day, Royal Navy sailors take part in two ceremonies – including one known as 'putting the Queen to bed'.

But, rather than tucking in Her Majesty in for a good night's sleep, the affectionate term is actually referring to the taking down of two flags.

At 08:00 in the summer, and 09:00 in winter, the Navy personnel hoist both the Union Jack from the 'jackstaff' at the bow of a ship, and the White Ensign from the 'ensign staff' at the stern.

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The ceremony to hoist the flag is known as 'colours', with the ship's bell struck eight times at 08:00 to mark the change of the watch to the Forenoon, and if the ceremony takes place at 09:00, it is struck twice.

On full ceremonial occasions, Royal Marines bands and buglers may be involved, but for regular days the bosun's call is used to alert everyone to the ceremony.

At the time of hearing the traditional two-pitch whistle, all Naval personnel on the upper deck will stop, face the stern and salute.

And, in the 'sunsets' ceremony, the Navy is responsible for 'putting the Queen to bed' – taking down the two flags.