Why King Charles Has Two Birthdays — The Real Reason Behind Trooping the Colour

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Royals (1 / 1) 11.06.2026 16:56 / Günter

Why does Britain’s monarch get two birthdays? From parade pageantry to unexpected family moments, the tradition has deep roots and a sunny practical reason. Read on to discover the full story!

Old roots, sunny timing

King Charles’s true birthday is Nov. 14, but each June he is celebrated with an “official” birthday parade known as Trooping the Colour. The custom goes back to King Charles II and was set as an annual public parade in 1748 during King George III’s reign. June was chosen largely for better weather; Queen Elizabeth, born April 21, also celebrated publicly in June, and Charles confirmed he would keep the summer timing in 2023.

Military spectacle

The Household Division stages the event, displaying regimental “colours” — flags that once guided soldiers on the battlefield, a history noted by Royal Museums Greenwich. The pageant features roughly 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians marching along The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards’ Parade.