Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926, but for some seemingly bizarre reason, her birthday is celebrated on the first Saturday of June. She has two birthdays!For as long as I’ve been involved with Royal Central, by far one of the most commonly asked questions is ‘Why does the Queen have two birthdays?’. In a bid to do one blanket answer for it, here’s my blog post about it!
Back in the eventful reign of King Edward VII, the monarchy was changing. It was developing a more public friendly face; it could no longer confine itself to private gatherings and unearned privilege. Edward VII was born on 9th November 1841.
For those of you who live in or have ever visited Britain during November, you will know that November is not known for it’s sunnier climate and predictable weather. Every year, the sovereign’s birthday parade was celebrated on that day, 9th November. And it was horrible, the weather was awful and all the guards on parade were unable to pull-off an outstanding performance due to the atrocious November weather.
After 1908, King Edward decided he had had enough of the poor weather and moved the Sovereign’s birthday parade to be celebrated in June from then on. Ever since, early in June, The Queen’s official birthday has been marked by a parade where the weather is much more favouring in England. Both The Queen’s Birthdate and the sovereign’s official birthday are marked with gun salutes.
Now THAT’S a privilege that is wort having. It costs the public nothing and is most gratifying to everybody. All the world loves a parade especially when it doesn’t rain.
Is one allowed to wear a bigger hat when riding with the Queen?
Well ….. That`s nice to hear … I was born on a saturday in June, too.