Trooping The Colour 2023; why does King Charles III have two birthdays, much akin to Queen Elizabeth II?

Some call today’s regal affair Trooping The Colour, while others have referred to it as The King’s Birthday Parade - but it’s that second name for the Royal tradition that has some people scratching their heads. King Charles III wasn’t born in June if Encyclopedia Britannica is correct; he was born on November 14. Come to mention it, Queen Elizabeth wasn’t born in June either; she was born in April.

That brings us to the more pressing matter then; why has there been a history of monarchs celebrating two birthdays, when many of us only have one? Is it a luxury afforded being a Royal, or is King Charles III hedging his bets that he gets two sets of birthday gifts this year? Why don’t we get two public holidays… the list could go on.

But in all seriousness, there is a very practical reason why there are two Royal birthdays for each reigning Monarch, and it all goes back to the days of King George II in the 18th century. King George II was born in November and as many a resident or a visitor to the United Kingdom during that time of year, it’s pretty grim to go outside for hours at a time to celebrate anything - sans Bonfire Night, admittedly. 

So rather than force the public to stand outside in the cold, dreary weather, the King decided on the idea of having two birthdays; one in November, said to be a more private affair, and then a more public spectacle in the Summer - June to be precise. It proved to be a big success, thus becoming a royal tradition passed through the annals of time, from Victoria to Elizabeth and now to Charles.

So why is it also called “Trooping The Colour,” we hear you ask? The "Colour" in this context refers to the regimental flags, or "colours," that represent the various units of the British Army. These flags are traditionally carried in battle to serve as a rallying point for troops. So to “troop” the colour is effectively to carry the colours that represent the King’s (new) armies, as he travels on horseback to inspect his military force.