This archive report was first published on 15 June 2021.
The tradition of British monarchs having two birthdays dates back to 1748, when the Trooping the Colour parade was first held to celebrate the King's birthday.
However, Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910, was born in November, making it difficult to hold a large outdoor celebration in the cold and drizzly weather.
He therefore moved the Trooping of the Colour to May or June, when the weather was more favorable.
His successor, George V, had a June birthday, but the tradition was later reintroduced by George VI, the Queen's father, who was born in December.
The Queen has continued this tradition, celebrating her actual birthday on April 21, 1926, and her official birthday on the first or second Saturday in June.
The official birthday is typically marked with the Trooping the Colour parade, which features over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians performing for the monarch.
However, the Queen's official birthday has been celebrated on different dates over the years, with George VI originally holding it on the second Thursday of June and the Queen changing it to the second Saturday for convenience.
It remains to be seen whether future monarchs, such as Prince William and Prince George, who were both born in June, will continue the tradition of having two birthdays.
