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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Why Charles marks two birthdays - but Prince William might only get one when he's King

One of the highlights of the royal calendar returns next week - and it will be the first one of King Charles' reign.

Trooping the Colour will take place as the King's official birthday parade - and will see the royals ride in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to watch an incredible military service before delighting crowds with a palace balcony appearance.

This means that like the late Queen, Charles has two birthdays - his actual birthday and an official, monarch's one.

He was born on November 14, 1948, so that is his real birthday but it seems he will carry on the tradition of having his official one in June.

King Charles with oldest son Prince William (UK Press via Getty Images)

But why would the King wait so long between the two dates? Well, it seems it's down to the most British thing ever, the weather.

Since 1748, Kings and Queens have marked their big day with the Trooping the Colour parade.

But Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910, was born in November - not the best time of year for a huge outdoor celebration.

Charles with the late Queen at Kate at Trooping the Colour last year (Getty Images)

So instead, he moved Trooping of the Colour to May or June because there was less chance of it being cold and drizzly on the big day.

The monarch after Edward VII - George V - helpfully had a birthday in June, but the Queen's father, George VI, whose birthday was in December, reintroduce the tradition of an official birthday, which Elizabeth II continued.

Future Kings William and George have summer birthdays (AFP via Getty Images)

But when Prince William takes the throne in future, two birthdays might not be on the cards - that's because his actual birthday is in June anyway, making it perfect for a summer celebration.

And the next king, Prince George, is also a summer baby born in July so there is a chance the tradition may disappear for several decades.

At this year's Trooping the Colour, the King and William will ride on horseback during the display, while other members of the Royal Family, including Kate and the Queen, will watch from carriages and the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians take part in the display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare.

The parade travels from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and closes with a Royal Air Force fly-past.

Last year's Trooping the Colour kicked off the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis stole the show.

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