OnApril 21, 2018, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 92nd birthday.
On June 9, 2018, Queen Elizabeth IIalsocelebrated her 92nd birthday.
It’s no secret that the royal family has some very unusual longstanding traditions.
You know, since she’s theQueenof England and all.
Here’s the real story behind the Queen’s twice annual birthdays.
Hint: it’s not to get more birthday presents.
At least, we don’tthinkso.
According to theofficial website of the royal family, this date is known as her “actual birthday.”
From 1926 to 1951, the then-princess would celebrate her birthday like the rest of us.
Well, sort of.
At least in that she only hadoneper year.
Even as a princess, her birthday was a big deal.
Onher sixteenth birthday, Princess Elizabeth fulfilled her first public engagement, as well as her first military inspection.
After a ceremony chock full of pomp and circumstance, the young princess met with members of the military.
This wasn’t your average Sweet 16 party, that’s for sure.
When she started ruling as Queen, however, that all changed.
Theroyal family’s official websiteexplained that Queen Elizabeth II “usually spends her actual birthday privately” these days.
Nevertheless, her day of birth is publicly recognized.
In 2016, onher 90th birthday, the Queen again greeted those waiting near the castle.
This parade would also be the start of the Queen’s “official birthday.”
The Queen herself also inspects the troops, after being greeted with a Royal salute.
Just as on her “actual birthday,” a 41-gun salute is also fired to celebrate the event.
Unlike the now-Queen who was born in the spring, the King was born in November.
It officially became a dual-purpose annual event after George III took the thrown in 1760.
That’s not all that was celebrated, however.
In an official statement,Clarence Housecalled the event a “70th Birthday Patronage Celebration.”
But, here’s the thing: Prince Charles' birthday is in November,notMay.
Whatever the reason, two birthdays certainly befit a prince.
How very royal!"
How very royal indeed.
Instead of having a quiet and private celebration, the Queen had a huge birthday bash.
According toRoyal Albert Hall,BBC OneandBBC Radio 2were invited to record the star-studded concert.
And if you think the seasoned Queen doesn’t have good taste in music, think again.
Sir Tom Jones, Craig David, Shawn Mendes, Kylie Minogue, and Sting were among the performers.
But I think we have the perfect present."
Still, the then-princess recognized her unique position in the world.
Thoughts of life looming ahead, with all its challenges and with all its opportunity."
The newly 21-year-old princess also made a vow on that day one that she is still committed to following.
Instead of celebrating her birthday as she usually would, she got to work.
Some seven months after her 91st actual birthday, she became the world’s oldest head of state.
During the Queen’s reign,the United States has elected 11 presidents.
With the exception of Lyndon B. Johnson, the Queen has personally met themall.
At 92 years old (and counting), longlivesthe Queen.
