Why does King Charles have two birthdays?
KING CHARLES celebrates his birthday on November 14 however a royal tradition might see him party twice.
The second Saturday of June was considered the late Queen‘s official birthday, and the new monarch will hold on to the annual celebration.
Why does King Charles have two birthdays?
King Charles will celebrate his birthday twice as of 2023 – on November 14 and on the second Saturday of June.
The tradition dates back to King George II in 1748.
Unfortunately for him, he was born in November – a month that does not typically have good weather in the UK.
So he decided to celebrate his birthday on a date that would be warmer and, hopefully, sunnier.
He chose to combine his birthday festivities with a military parade known as Trooping the Colour, which was held in spring.
Since then it’s believed each monarch has followed the tradition.
The Queen originally marked her birthday on the second Thursday in June, but in 1959, the date was changed to the second Saturday in June.
How old is King Charles?
King Charles turned 74 on November 14, 2022 – his first birthday as monarch.
He was born in 1948.
The King is the first son of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
How does King Charles celebrate his birthday?
The King usually celebrates his actual birthday privately with his family.
To celebrate his first birthday as monarch, a photograph of His Majesty leaning against an old oak tree in Windsor was released.
Buckingham Palace also announced that the King took on the role of The Ranger of Windsor Great Park – a post which was held by his father the Duke of Edinburgh.
There were also military celebrations to mark the occasion.
The Band of Household Cavalry played Happy Birthday outside Buckingham Palace during the changing of the guard ceremony.
There were also gun salute fired across London.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired 41 rounds from Green Park and an hour later, the Honourable Artillery Company made a 62-gun salute from the Tower of London.
In June, a Trooping the Colour parade celebrates his birthday along with the public.
Also known as The King’s Birthday Parade, it has been held for over 260 years.
It includes over 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians and an RAF plane aerial display.
Many gather around Buckingham Palace wearing Union Jacks and waving flags.
The King inspects troops at Horse Guards Parade before military bands perform.
The Regimental Colour, or flag, is then processed down the ranks of soldiers.
Once the Foot Guards have marched past the King, he travels back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers, before taking the salute again.
The Royal Family then joins him on the Palace’s balcony to wave to the public.