Why does the King have two birthdays? | Findmypast.co.uk
Discover the history of Trooping the Colour - the monarch's annual birthday parade.
www.findmypast.co.ukThe King’s Official Birthday is observed in many Commonwealth realms as the monarch’s public birthday, typically scheduled in late May or June to suit weather and include a public holiday and the Birthday Honours. Britain first marked it in 1748 for King George II, and a separately proclaimed date has persisted since historic reforms post-1936. Trooping the Colour is tied to the official birthday, typically staged on a June weekend. Charles III’s official birthday is celebrated in June since 2023, with a additional observance in 2024, reflecting the tradition of a separate proclaimed date. Findmypast notes the parade as the royal birthday procession that follows the official date. The practice developed from a shift after 1936 to keep the celebration on a consistent yearly date rather than the actual birth date. The birthday procession known as Trooping the Colour forms a core part of the public celebration surrounding the official birthday, underscoring the monarch’s ceremonial role.