Imagine celebrating your birthday twice a year.
Twice the birthday cake, twice the presents, and twice as many days where it’s all about you.
Most of us can only dream of such a joy, settling instead for stretching out our celebrations into a so-called ‘birthweek.’
But for King Charles, it’s a reality…
In addition to his actual birthday on November 14, the monarch is honored on June 15 with public festivities and a parade known as Trooping the Colour.
During Trooping the Colour, which occurs annually on the second Saturday of June, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians march from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade and back.
According to the Household Division, the parade’s name comes from officers from different regiments of the British Army displaying their flags or ‘colours.’
Its origins trace back to the battlefield, where these flags signaled a rallying point for soldiers.
“In order to ensure that every soldier would be able to recognise their colours, the flag would be marched or ‘trooped’ regularly around the ranks,” explains the Royal Museums Greenwich.
“A regiment’s colours came to have huge significance for serving soldiers, and the gain or loss of colours were seen as decisive moments in battle.”
But why doesn’t the celebration happen on the King’s actual birthday in November?
The tradition of the monarch celebrating both an actual birthday and an ‘official’ birthday dates back to the 18th century.
In 1748, King George II decided to combine the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration, despite being born in November.
The practical reason for holding the festivities in June is the typically better weather, as noted by the Royal Museums Greenwich: “With a November birthday being too cold for a celebratory parade, he tied his celebrations in with the annual Trooping the Colour military parade.”
So, it’s ultimately the British weather that explains why the King has two birthdays, and we’re not envious at all that we aren’t granted the same luxury.
However, when Prince William eventually inherits the throne, his birthday on June 21, coinciding perfectly with the annual Trooping the Colour, may lead to him having just one birthday celebration like the rest of us mere peasants.
Do you think it’s a nice tradition? What is your favorite royal tradition? Share in comments?
