Why the Queen has two birthdays every year
She will be 96 this year
Last updated 3rd Feb 2022
Sunday 6th February marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the age of just 25, with her coronation taking place on 2nd June 1953. To celebrate the Queen's reign we take a look at why she has two birthdays every year.
The Queen was born on 21st April 1926, but she also has an official birthday which is usually on the second Saturday in June each year, in 2022 it is on Saturday 11th June.
Over the years many reigning monarchs have had two birthdays, one being their actual birthday and one in the summer months, when the weather is more likely to be good for the birthday celebrations including the Trooping of the Colour.
While the Queen normally spends her actual birthday privately there have been a couple of occasions when she hasn't.
On her 21st birthday, 21st April 1947, Princess Elizabeth as she was then was then, was on a tour of South Africa with her parents and recorded this speech from Cape Town.
In 2006 she spent her 80th birthday on a walkabout in the streets outside Windsor Castle to meet well-wishers.
To celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this year (2022) it will be filled with lots of celebrations, including an extra Bank Holiday on Friday 3rd June, after the late May Bank Holiday is moved to Thursday 2nd June.
The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) will take place on 2nd June where over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together to celebrate the Queen's official birthday.
Then, more than 1,500 beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. The main beacon will be lit at Buckingham Palace in a special ceremony.
Celebrations will continue throughout the long weekend with a Service of Thanksgiving, The Big Jubilee Lunch, The Platinum Jubilee Pageant and more!
Now take a look through moments the Queen was relatable:
1) She still drives herself around
2) She overruled parliament and let cameras film her coronation
3) She's incredibly stylish
4) She loves her family and even apparently carries lucky charms in her bag from her children
5) She's always up for a good laugh
6) She loves her animals
7) She used clothing coupons to pay for her wedding dress, just like other young women during post-war rationing in 1947
8) She had some fun starring with Daniel Craig in a sketch for the London Olympics
9) She loves music and is big fan of George Formby
10) She constantly reassures us
Now read:
12 facts you might not know about The Queen
The Queen's best fashion looks through the years from A-Z