At least two people have caused a disturbance in London at a military parade that launches celebrations for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, running out in front of marching soldiers before being arrested.

Two men ran out from behind barriers where tens of thousands of people had gathered on Thursday at The Mall boulevard, which leads to Buckingham Palace, and lay down in front of a marching band, footage showed.

One of the individuals appeared to hold up a banner, before police dragged away the men. One was also wearing a gold crown on his head.

“A number of arrests have been made of people who attempted to enter the ceremonial route in The Mall. The arrests were public order related for highway obstruction,” police said on Twitter.

“Thank you to the crowd who showed their support by clapping our officers who returned to their post after dealing with the incident swiftly.”

The colourful Trooping the Colour military parade, which takes place annually to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday, involves some 1500 soldiers and officers.

The Queen used to take part in the parade herself on horseback until 1986 – five years after a man had fired six blank shots at her as she rode by.

She managed to control her startled horse and was unharmed. The man was arrested.

-AAP