Away from political beliefs, religion, financial differences and anything else that may set us apart, every single one of us is united in the shared fact that we all have a birthday - except for the Queen, who has TWO.
Her Majesty marked her 96th birthday on April 21, but now the whole country is celebrating her 70 years on the throne with Trooping the Colour, part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The grand military show is an annual event that marks the Queen's birthday, but has added significance this year thanks to the jubilee.
It is only her be only her second Trooping the Colour without her husband Prince Philip since they were married in 1947, after Philip died on April 9 2021 aged 99.
So why does the Queen have two birthdays?
Why does the Queen have two birthdays?
The Queen has two birthdays due to a tradition going back to King George II in 1748, when he decided his gloomy and cold November birthday was not suited to fun celebrations.
Royal birthday celebrations have gone back centuries and have generally been impressive affairs, and George II decided such an event should take place in the summer months with a better chance of sunshine and warm weather.
It is why the Queen celebrates her birthday in June, despite actually being born in April.
The June event is known as Trooping the Colour, the Royal Family's website explained.
It said: "Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark The Queen's official birthday."
The display then ends with a flypast from the RAF, which is watched by Royal Family members from the Buckingham Palace balcony and a 41-gun salute is also fired in Green Park.
Her Majesty enjoys both days each year but tends to spend her actual birthday - April 21 - with her family.
When is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour this year falls today onThursday, June 2 and began at 10am.
The flypast is scheduled to take place at 1pm, watched by the Royals - possibly even including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this year, thanks to a thaw in the frosty relations.
If you do not have tickets - the online ballot closed on March 7 - VisitLondon recommends joining the crowds of spectators on the edge of St James' Park, which overlooks Horse Guards Parade.
Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles in the 17th century. The colours of a regiment were used as a rallying point for soldiers on the battlefield.
Household Division explained: "Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as ‘Colours’ because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units.
"If troops were to know what their Regiment’s Colours looked like, it was necessary to display them regularly. The way in which this was done was for young officers to march in between the ranks of troops formed up in lines with the Colours held high. This is the origin of the word 'trooping'.
"So, what today is a great tradition began life as a vital and practical parade designed to aid unit recognition before a battle commenced."
