Queen Elizabeth, then just Elizabeth York, was born on April 21, 1926. Fast-forward many years (and an abdication) later, and her birthday is now celebrated on a completely different day—and this year, with the Platinum Jubilee, a completely different weekend. But why?
It all goes back to a tradition believed to have started in the mid-1600s: Trooping the Colour.
Trooping the Colour was originally a military exercise, possibly first occurring during the reign of Charles II. Back then, it was imperative for soldiers to know the colors of their regiments so they could find them during battle. So, the practice of “trooping”—or, young officers marching around ranks of troops holding their flags high—was a necessary exercise.
In 1748, it was decided that this military event, Trooping the Colour, would also mark the sovereign’s official birthday.
This declaration meant that every monarch from King George II would likely celebrate their birthday on a day that was not actually their birthday. In the 1800s, the festivities were held in late May; in the modern age, it’s held during a Saturday in early June (in 2019, it will be held on June 8). There’s a pretty simple reason behind the springtime dates: better weather—although the event does go on rain or shine.
As the British empire shrank and the notion of a grand show of military strength became antiquated (and fairly dictatorial), Trooping the Colour became more of a patriotic parade.
But what happens at the Trooping, exactly? Over 1,400 officers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses parade through the streets of London, from Buckingham Palace to Whitehall and back again. The Queen arrives in her carriage to inspect the troops, often flanked by Prince Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne on horseback. Other royals such as Kate Middleton, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, participate in the parade via carriage.
Later in the afternoon, it’s time for the “flyover,” where British fighter jets speed over the crowds, spouting colorful streams of red, white, and blue. The entire royal family—which now stretches four generations—watches and waves from the balcony.
This year, the birthday celebrations will be combined with another massive milestone. June 2—the Queen’s official coronation day—will mark her 70th year on the throne. So, the United Kingdom will have a four-day bank holiday for the Platinum Jubilee. On Thursday, Trooping the Colour will take place, followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Friday. Saturday, however, is when the real party happens: during the day, the royal family will attend the Epsom Derby, a horse race in Surrey that’s considered one of the most prestigious in England. At night, Buckingham Palace will be turned into a concert venue for “Party at the Palace.” World-famous music acts, from Queen, to Diana Ross, to the cast of Hamilton will perform in front of a 22,000-person crowd.
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