After all, why does the King of England celebrate his birthday twice a year?

This is the question we will answer in this week's 'From A to... Royalty' column. 

The tradition was already followed by Queen Elizabeth II and will continue to be maintained by her son, King Charles III. 

The official birthday of the sovereign is on November 14th, however, the official celebrations take place in June, as part of Trooping the Colour.

Queen Elizabeth II, on June 2, 2022, at the last Trooping the Colour, also known as the Queen's Birthday Parade, which coincided with the Platinum Jubilee, for her 70 years of reign. © Getty Images  

The explanation 

The answer lies in the weather: summer in England, that is, June, is the best time of year to hold the Trooping the Colour military parade.

According to Town&Country magazine, the tradition dates back to the 18th century, more precisely to 1748, when King George II decided to combine the annual summer military march with his birthday, which was celebrated in November. 

"As a birthday in November was too cold for a celebratory parade, he combined the birthday with the annual military parade of Trooping the Colour," informs the Royal Museums Greenwich.

Curiously, one day when Prince William ascends to the throne, his birthday will coincide with the event, since he was born on June 21st. Therefore, there will no longer be - during his reign - two celebrations, unless the Prince of Wales intends to keep a celebration with the family in private. 

King Charles III, in June 2023, at the celebration of his first Trooping the Colour as monarch. © Getty Images  

Read also: Juan Carlos and the involvement in the tragic death of his brother, Don Alfonso