King Charles III celebrates his 76th birthday today, but did you know that he has two birthday parties every year?
King Charles' actual birthday is on November 14, 1948, but he also celebrates his second official birthday every year on the second Saturday of June. This summer festival called the Parade of Colors has been held for more than 260 years as the official birthday celebration of British rulers.
Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather, Edward VII, whose birthday was in November, found this time of year unsuitable for a public outdoor celebration. That's why he decided to hold his public birthday party on a warmer summer day. The tradition has survived ever since, and King Charles, like many of his ancestors, will have a private birthday in November and an official public celebration in the summer. The next British kings, William and George, do not have to follow this tradition because they are both summer-born.
