Why does King Charles have two birthdays? History behind the monarch’s double celebration and when he was born
King Charles III celebrated his 74th birthday – his first as monarch – back in November. He was born on 14 November 1948.
The occasion was marked by the Band of the Household Cavalry performing “Happy Birthday” during Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and gun salutes being fired across London.
But he will celebrate again this weekend, as the British monarch also has an “official” birthday, in a tradition that dates back centuries.
Why does the King have two birthdays?
The convention of an official monarch’s birthday has been in place since 1748, during the reign of King George II. Like Charles, George’s birthday fell in November, but he decided to change it so he could mark the occasion with a large-scale public celebration during the warmer months.
He made the decision to combine his celebration with Trooping the Colour, an annual military parade in the summer.
The late Queen initially marked her “official” birthday on the second Thursday of June, the same day as her father, King George VI. However, she changed it to the second Saturday of June in 1959, seven years into her reign.
King Charles III has decided to stick with the same date for his official celebration.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for more than 260 years. It is always on the second Saturday in June, meaning this year it is on 17 June.
The parade features thousands of military personnel riding and marching through central London.
The route runs from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. During the procession and ceremonies, a flag known as a Regimental Colour is carried past the monarch in Horse Guards Parade, as marching bands play.
The event also features an RAF flypast, which members of the Royal Family watch from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, and a 41-gun salute from Green Park.
In years gone by, the late Queen Elizabeth II attended on horseback, but in her later years she rode along in a carriage. Members of the Royal Family also join as crowds waving flags line the streets.
Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty King Charles III will hold the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiments of Household Division.
“The Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. 2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping the Colour as Sovereign.”
