Why did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate two birthdays every year? Find out here

In accordance with the royal tradition, Queen Elizabeth II used to celebrate twice in a year. Being a monarch, one had to do what the masses wanted and allow tradition to continue. The Queen pampered her subjects and played on!

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21 and celebrated her birthday with her family on this day. In Britain, the weather during April is generally cold, and she couldn’t let her subjects stand out in the cold to cheer her on. Hence, she celebrated her official birthday for the nation on another day in June.

Having to work on regular days, the Queen celebrated her official birthday on the second Saturday of June, irrespective of the date. Britishers generally cheered the Queen on that day as she would ride her horse-drawn chariot through the streets and wave at her subjects. The Queen would inspect the guard of honour and witness a march past by her troops, called Trooping the Colour. She would stand out on the balcony of her palace as the Royal Air Force would conduct a fly past.


The Queen will also be given a Royal 41 Gun Salute by the Queen’s Troop in Green Park. The crowds would be everywhere, cheering her and waving the country’s flag.

This official birthday was celebrated in London and other Commonwealth countries before they were declared independent. There is a lot of festivity and fun in the evenings. However, the weather had to be friendly and warm for all this to work out well. Hence, the second Saturday of June was declared the official birthday of the Queen of Britain.




So, British weather is the primary reason why the monarch celebrated two birthdays, and the month of June was ideal for uninterrupted good weather.

The parade goes back to 1660 when King Charles II became monarch, and it became an official celebration in 1748 during the reign of King George II. The reason for celebrating the monarch’s birthday was decided when King Edward VII was reigning in London in 1901. He was a November-born king, and it was cold on his birthdays. Therefore, the King wanted to celebrate when the weather was better. King Edward VII decided to celebrate it in May or June. Trooping the Colour or the official parades were finally decided to be conducted in June from then on.

FAQs

1) When is the coronation of King Charles III?
ANSWER: The coronation is on Saturday, September 10

2) What is the role of the official "Garter King of Arms?"
ANSWER: He declares the name of the King and reads out the proclamation. He then calls out, "God save the king."