The Queen has two birthdays – a real one (21st April) and an official one on marked by Trooping the Colour, also called the Queens Birthday Parade, on the second Saturday in June.
The tradition dates back to about 1700 when the colours (regimental flags) of the monarch were first ‘trooped’ (paraded). The date probably comes from George lll’s birthday. In any case, it’s a colourful tradition that is now part of our annual rituals. Read more about the Trooping of the Colour
