Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her birthday twice a year; here's why

Queen Elizabeth II is a Queen for real and she celebrates her birthday twice a year ! And why not? The Queen has this privilege for a reason. Queen Elizabeth II , 96 was born on April 21 which is her original birth day but she also celebrates her another special day in June at a celebration named 'Trooping the Color'. The Queen's platinum jubilee of her 70 years of historic reign was commemorated by The Royal Family, on June 2, 2022.

Celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's seventy years on the throne, a massive crowd gathered at The Mall on day one of the Platinum Jubilee. Prince Harry and wife, Meghan also joined other members of The Royal Family honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of Reign. The Queen chose to wear a dusky dove blue Angela Kelly coat adorned with Guards’ Badge over a pearl-embellished blue Charmelaine wool dress and a matching hat. She was carrying a walking stick. She made an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Royal Family witnessed the 70-aircraft fly past. Leaders from around the world - US President Joe Biden, Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron - congratulated the Queen for the remarkable seventy years journey of her reign.

Why Does Queen Elizabeth Have Two Birthdays?
The reason behind Queen celebrating her birthday twice a year is historic. It is primarily about the British weather, especially winters. The tradition has its base at the times of George II, who was born in November. Since the Royal Family loves to have large lavish gatherings for celebrations, the chilly winters did not seem convenient. In 1748, he initiated a tradition of celebrating his official birthday at the time of the annual spring parade called ‘Trooping the Colour.’

Before 1748, ‘Trooping the Colour’ was solely a military occasion where distinct regiments used to display their flags or colours so that everyone could familiarise themselves with each other. Since 1748, the British sovereigns have been allowed to inherit the “official birthday.” Apart from organising a private birthday celebration in April, Queen Elizabeth must have found June's weather worthy of celebrating her birthday publicly. Commonwealth Nations observe the ‘Trooping the Colour’ as an official holiday.

What happens during the ‘Trooping the Colour’?

• Rounds of Gun Salutes happen at noon: a 21-gun salute in Windsor Great Park, a 41-gun salute in Hyde Park, and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.
• The Royal Family journeys in a horse-drawn carriage during the procession, which starts from the Buckingham Palace and goes to The Mall, then to the Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall.
• Majesty receives the Royal Salute when she arrives at the Horse Guards Parade and inspects the troops.
• The Royal band performs the music troop.
• The Royal Family greets the public from the private balcony of Buckingham Palace and enjoys the RAF flypast.