So here’s the scoop: if you’re part of the royal family, you get to enjoy not just one, but two birthdays. But here’s the twist—it’s not about doubling the fun (although, let’s be honest, that’s a perk). It’s all about tradition. For centuries, British monarchs have celebrated their actual birth dates privately and then marked an official public birthday. Why? The weather, of course! The United Kingdom isn’t exactly known for its sunny skies, especially in the winter months. So, the royals decided to pick a better time of year to throw a big bash for the people to enjoy.

The Royal Tradition of Two Birthdays

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, which falls right in the spring. Now, while spring can bring some sunshine, it can also bring unpredictable showers. Many of her predecessors weren’t as lucky with their birth months. Back in 1748, King George II, who was born in chilly, wet November, decided he’d had enough of the dreary weather on his special day. So, he moved his "public" birthday celebration to April, when the odds of nicer weather are much higher. Instead of just having a parade for his own birthday, George combined it with the annual spring military parade called Trooping the Color. This parade has become a grand event, showcasing the British Army’s finest traditions. Queen Elizabeth, following this tradition, chose to have her official birthday in June, simply because she thought it would be more enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s like she’s saying, "Let’s make this a day to remember for the right reasons, not because it rained."

Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Celebrations

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Now, let’s talk about how Queen Elizabeth celebrates her double dose of birthdays. Every monarch gets the chance to choose their official birthday, and they usually mark it with a massive parade in Central London. Picture this: a sea of Union Jack flags waving, a 41-gun salute in Hyde Park, a 21-gun salute in Windsor Great Park, and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. Queen Elizabeth decided on June for her official birthday, allowing her to celebrate her real birthday quietly with family and then join in the festivities with the British public at Trooping the Color. Early in her reign, the official birthday was celebrated on a Thursday in June, but she later changed it to a Saturday so more people could join in the fun. This queen knows how to throw a party!

A Day to Remember

Just last year, Queen Elizabeth’s official birthday was celebrated on a scorching hot June day. The temperatures were so high that five guardsmen actually fainted during the parade and needed medical attention. Thankfully, everyone was okay, and the day still had its sweet moments. Little Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their annual appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces and adding a family-friendly vibe to the event. While it’s crucial for the Queen to celebrate her real birthday in the privacy of her home with her loved ones, there’s something to be said for King George II’s idea of timing a parade for when the weather is warmer. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a parade in the sunshine!