British monarchs celebrating two birthdays has been a long-standing tradition, something King Charles kept when he ascended to the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The ‘official’ birthday is celebrated in June each year, with a public parade and appearances on Buckingham Palace balcony.
But where did this tradition come from, and why does King Charles celebrate two birthdays? It’s something that may not come into force when Prince William becomes king in the future.
Why does the king have two birthdays?
King Charles’ actual birthday is November 14, and he was born in 1948. Like his mother, and many British kings and queens before him, Charles celebrates two birthdays each year.
The second – Trooping the Colour or the King’s Birthday Parade – takes place in June annually.
On King Charles’ first Trooping the Colour of his reign in 2023, he marked the occasion by riding on horseback to inspect his troops. It was the first time “that the reigning monarch has ridden” at the event since 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II last rode. However, the following year, he opted to ride in a carriage instead as he was undergoing cancer treatment.
The event has offered some incredible and unforgettable moments over the years, including little Prince Louis’ pulling faces while standing next to the late Queen. He followed in his brother’s footsteps, as a four-year-old Prince George appeared bored during the 2017 event as well. Also, a young Prince Harry was photographed poking his tongue out at the crowds below as Princess Diana held him in her arms.
Why is the king’s birthday in June?
It’s a simple reason – King Charles’ official birthday takes place in June as the weather is better at this time of year in England.
Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday was on April 21, but she celebrated it publicly on the second Saturday of June. Charles kept up the tradition and his first birthday parade took place on June 17, 2023. It came only six weeks after his coronation on May 6.
As King Charles’ birthday is in November, the weather would be cold, wet and likely overcast – and not ideal for a public parade and celebration at the palace.
It also coincides with the King’s Birthday Honours List being usually published in the summer.
However, as his son, Prince William, who is first in line to the British throne, was born in June, he may choose to ditch the tradition of having two birthdays like King Charles. William was born on June 21, which would only be a matter of days after the annual celebration, and he may see it unnecessary to have two events.
What is King Charles’ official birthday?
King Charles’ official birthday is called Trooping the Colour or The King’s Birthday Parade.
More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and hundreds of musicians take part in the annual event.
Thousands of fans line the streets of the Mall near Buckingham Palace and the royal family often make an appearance on the balcony.
A parade begins at the monarch’s official residence – the palace – and moves along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, near to Downing Street and then back again.
The royals travel down the Mall in carriages and wave at well-wishers before watching RAF planes and the Red Arrows perform an aerial display for the big day.
The parade itself dates back to the battlefield, when a regiment’s colours signalled a rallying point for soldiers.
Where and when did Trooping the Colour start?
Trooping the Colour first began during the reign of King Charles II – Charles III’s predecessor – who sat on the throne between 1660-1685.
The name comes from officers who march up and down in front of the troops, waving their flags (or ‘colours’) so people could see which flags belonged to which regiment.
However, it wouldn’t be until 1748 when it was decided that the parade would also be used to mark the official birthday of the monarch. It became an annual event after King George III ascended to the throne in 1760. There were several years where it was suspended, between 1811 and 1820, due to George’s illness. But the ceremony was restored when King George IV sat on the throne.
Read more: Sad ‘truth’ behind King Charles’ birthday family photo amid William and Harry’s ‘feud’
Military uniforms
The royals also tend to wear their military uniforms and medals for the event, whereas members of The Firm who have not served in the armed forces sport classic and chic fashion gowns.
King Charles dons his regalia and 11 medals to illustrate his experience in the military, followed by son Prince William who does the same.
Following reports King Charles plans to stick to a ‘slimmed-down monarchy’, the number of royal family members on the balcony during Trooping the Colour throughout his reign appears to be fewer than his mother’s.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, the balcony would be jam-packed with working and non-working members of The Firm. However, for the recent VE Day celebrations earlier this year, only working royals stood on the famous balcony. This included the King and Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, their children, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence and the Duke of Kent.
The number of working royals has also decreased over the years. Charles’ son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle left their positions as working royals in 2020. His brother Prince Andrew has also retreated from royal life following scandal related to his friend Jeffrey Epstein.
