Queen Elizabeth may have turned 96 years old back in April, but this weekend has seen people talking about the monarch’s birthday yet again. If you find this confusing, you're not alone, but you should know that this weekend is not her actual date of birth.
You see, the monarch has celebrated two birthdays every year since she ascended the throne in 1952. Although she was actually born on April 21, the queen also has a celebratory birthday in June (AKA Trooping the Colour).
It all has to do with the British monarchy, which established the holiday in 1748 as a result of King George II. The patriarch’s birthday just so happened to fall in November, and if you’ve ever visited England during that time, you probably know that the weather is unpredictable.
According to CNN, King George II created the Trooping the Colour celebration, so he could have a second, grander birthday party in the summer. It originated as a standalone event but has since transformed into a full-day affair that Britain and the entire Commonwealth can enjoy.
During 2019’s parade, Queen Elizabeth departed her home at Buckingham Palace in a royal procession, where she was greeted by guards before watching a traditional gun salute. The family also gathered on the balcony for a Royal Air Force fly-by. Casual.
For the past two years, the queen canceled the Trooping the Colour celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of a grand affair, the monarch held a “mini” event at Windsor Castle, with a very small guest list.
However, for 2022, the celebration has excitedly returned to its traditional model, and there's even more reason to celebrate since this weekend also marks the queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Cheers to many more celebrations.
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