Queen Elizabeth II Has Two Birthdays Every Year Due To This 'Temperamental' Thing

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates two birthdays each year for an interesting reason that dates back to the 1700s. This year, the two days fell on April 26, which is her actual date of birth, and then June 8, which is her "official" birthday. Why does the monarch celebrate the occasion twice?

According to the Sun, the "temperamental" weather is behind this tradition.

Born in 1748, George II celebrated his big day each year in November, which made it too cold outside to host an annual parade. This, in turn, inspired the royal to choose a warmer date in order to properly celebrate the way he wanted. Fans of the royal family know this day to be called the Trooping the Colour.

The event is also marked by a parade that is "a prestigious military occasion involving guards from the Household Division," states Harper's Bazaar, adding that it doubles as a chance for the monarch to inspect the troops before they watch the military fly-by.

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However, each year the actual date of the Queen's official birthday changes as it is usually standard to hold it on the second Saturday in June for convenience. During the event, a procession takes place and Her Majesty is joined by other members of the royal family. The parade includes more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, reports the Independent. Additionally, she makes a public appearance at Buckingham Palace.

The royal used to celebrate the official date on the second Thursday of June, which was the same day that her father, King George VI, celebrated his, but that tradition was changed seven years after she ascended to the throne.

As for her actual birthday, it is marked by a series of gun salutes in Hyde Park, Windsor Great Park, and at The Tower of London. A tweet highlighting the festivities can be seen below.