Why does the queen have two birthdays?

[Lee77]

Why does the queen have two birthdays?

[andy-hughes]

The Queen's actual; birthday is in April, but she has an 'official' birthday in June because the weather is better, so she can walk around and meet the people in what hopefully will be the sunshine.

[JudgeJ]

One (April 21st) is her actual birthday, the same as you and I have. The other (which is celebrated in June each year) is her official birthday. This when the ceremony known as "Trooping the Colour" takes place.

The tradition of having an official birthday for the Sovereign was begun for practical reasons. Monarchs who had their actual birthdays in the winter months often encountered problems due to cold, wet weather spoiling parades and other outdoor celebrations.

[ronnie3]

i know how she feels my b-day is cristmas day and i would love to be able to have an offical b-day guess i'll have to find a prince to marry

[JudgeJ]

I have a nephew who was born on December 25th. When he was younger his parents allowed him to have an "official" birthday on June 25th, so that he could have his own celebrations separate from the Christmas festivities.

[Grunty]

Queen Victoria's birthday (24 May) was used by Edward VII because his birthday was on 9 November. King George V was able to use his real birthday (3 June). Edward VIII used his real birthday (23 June) during his brief reign in 1936. After the constitutional crisis caused by the abdication of Edward VIII, it was decided to revert to King George V's birthday as the official one for George VI who had a birthday on 14 December. The present Queen continues this tradition, although it is defined as "early June".

[ugly_bob]

cos she wants more prezzies

[Frankie Babe]

Because she can!

[jasperthomas]

So she can have the other 363 days to herself

[joko]

if i was the queen, i'd have 20 birthdays - because i am the boss and i can do what i like - so nerr

[StGermain]

It's not "early June", it's the third Saturday in June

[Grunty]

Not necessarily St Germain. It is the third Saturday in June this year. In 2004 for example it was the second Saturday.

[mike b]

Does it make her 160?

[ugly_bob]

No, she's only had 2 birthdays since she was queen, so that makes her 133 (I think - coronation 1953?)

[mike b]

Good thinking bob - there's the makings of a very sneaky quiz trivia question there...