King Charles III celebrates both his actual birthday on 14 November and his official birthday, which falls on the second Saturday in June and is marked by the Trooping the Colour parade. This tradition, dating back to King George II in 1748, gives the reigning monarch two birthdays each year.
The Reason Behind Two Birthdays
The official public birthday is celebrated with the spectacular military parade, Trooping the Colour. The choice of June is straightforward: to increase the chances of pleasant, sunny weather for the outdoor event. King Edward VII, born in chilly November, decided to hold his official birthday in May or June for better weather, a practice continued by subsequent monarchs.
Public Reaction
Despite the tradition being centuries old, some Brits are only now discovering it and are not impressed. Social media comments include: "Must be nice to be rich and powerful," and "That is one of the dumbest, richest things I've ever heard." Others questioned the expense, with one asking, "What bigger waste of time and money is there?"
However, supporters of the tradition appreciate the extra celebration. One fan said, "I'm all for it, especially if you get cake and presents." Another remarked, "As someone with a birthday in February, I like this idea. I've never had a parade for my birthday."
The Trooping the Colour Ceremony
The ceremony begins with the King receiving a Royal Salute at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a 41 Gun Salute fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The King then inspects his troops. Each year, one regiment of the Foot Guards is chosen to troop their Colour before the King. This year, it is the turn of the Grenadier Guards, whose Colonel is Queen Camilla. Five regiments process from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade: the Grenadier, Welsh, Irish, Scots, and Coldstream Guards.
The tradition, though old, continues to evoke strong opinions among the British public, ranging from criticism to enthusiastic support.
