WHY DOES THE QUEEN HAVE TWO BIRTHDAYS? THE BRITISH MONARCH’S ACTUAL AND OFFICIAL CELEBRATION EXPLAINED

A lot of people are wondering why the Queen celebrates two birthdays. Is the British monarch’s real birthday on April 21?

Over the years, many people have been confused about why the Queen celebrates two different birthdays and what is the difference between the two celebrations.

Today, Wednesday, April 21st, marks the British monarch’s 95th birthday.

But why does she celebrate her birthday two times every year? Here’s the reason explained.

WHEN WAS THE QUEEN BORN?
The Queen was born on April 21st, 1926 and she celebrates her 95th birthday today.

This year there will be no gun salute to mark the occasion as the British monarchy continues to be in a two-week mourning period after the death of Prince Philip.

According to BAZAAR.com, the Queen will mark her birthday with a small group of family members in line with current public health guidelines.

The Queen’s “official” birthday is usually on the second Saturday of June every year.

THE BRITISH MONARCH’S BIRTHDAYS EXPLAINED
While the Queen celebrates her actual birthday on April 21st every year, her “official” birthday is always in June.

The reason goes back to 1748, during the reign of King George II, when the king’s birthday was in late autumn. Due to the weather, public celebrations were often not suitable to be held and the king’s “official” birthday moved to a summer date.

The monarch’s official birthday was combined with the annual Trooping the Colour parade in summer.

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAYS IN 2021
The gun salute on the Queen’s actual birthday has been postponed for the second year in a row. The day is marked with a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park, a 21 gun salute in Windsor Great Park and a 62 gun salute at the Tower of London, the royal family’s website explains.

Last year, celebrations were halted after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK and strict social distancing rules at the time.

Moreover, it has also been confirmed that the Trooping the Colour parade and the Queen’s “official” birthday won’t take place at its usual scale in 2021.

The event didn’t go in its traditional form in London last year due to the pandemic.