The Dual Birthdays of Royalty: From Queen Elizabeth II to Queen Victoria
The tradition of having two official birthdays is not a unique practice among royal families but is particularly well-known and celebrated in the UK and Commonwealth realms. This piece explores why these dual birthdays exist and their historical significance, focusing on the cases of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.
Queen Elizabeth II's Dual Birthdays
Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch of unparalleled reign, has two official birthdays: one in May and another in June. Her actual birthday is on April 21st, 1926, but this date falls during the wet and windy British spring weather, making it less than ideal for large public celebrations. Instead, the Royal Family and the nation celebrate her official birthday on the second Saturday in June.
This arrangement is not unique to Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, King George VI, also had two birthdays, and this tradition has continued with her son, the current King Charles III, following the same pattern. This practice provides a warm and sunny backdrop for the Trooping of the Colour, a grand military parade that marks the monarch's official birthday and involves the participation of the British Armed Forces.
The Historical Significance of Dual Birthdays
The reason for having a traditional shared birthday among British royals can be traced back to the reign of Queen Victoria. Her actual birthday was on May 24th, which was also the celebration day of Queen Victoria's birthday. In 1858, to honor the long reign of Queen Victoria, May 24th was designated as a public holiday in the UK and Northern Ireland. This practice was later continued for Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family, ensuring a day off for troops and the public.
Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, and the nation and Commonwealth had been celebrating this day for a very long time, making it difficult to change. Therefore, the second Saturday in June, traditionally the date of her coronation, was chosen as the official birthday. This date is associated with better weather, making it more suitable for outdoor celebrations and parades.
Other Examples in Royal History
The concept of two birthdays is not exclusive to Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. King George VI, who preceded Queen Elizabeth II, also had two official birthdays. His actual birthday was on December 14th, but his official birthday was celebrated on the second Saturday in June, following the same template as his daughter's.
King Charles III and his son, Prince William, also follow this tradition. Prince William's actual birthday is on June 21st, but his official birthday is on the second Saturday in June, ensuring good weather for events like the Trooping of the Colour.
Public Engagement and Historical Continuity
The practice of having a second official birthday serves multiple purposes. It provides a dedicated day for the Trooping of the Colour, a royal event that combines military precision with traditional pomp and ceremony. This parade is not only a celebration of the monarch's birthday but also a display of the armed forces' capability and unity.
Besides the Trooping of the Colour, other events like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and similar ceremonies in other Commonwealth realms also take place during this period. These events foster a sense of national unity and pride, reinforcing the monarchy's role in public life.
Conclusion
The dual birthday tradition among British royals is steeped in history and serves practical and ceremonial purposes. It allows for a grand celebration at a time when the weather is more favorable and with events that resonate deeply with British and Commonwealth culture. From Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, this tradition continues to play a significant role in royal celebrations and public engagement.