King Charles will get a second birthday now he’s the Monarch

In-keeping with a royal tradition dating back centuries, King Charles III will get a second birthday - just like his mother did. 

As you may know, the late monarch had two birthdays - her actual birthday on 21 April and then a second one which was held on the second Saturday in June.

Celebrating the birthday of the reigning monarch has been tradition since 1748 during King George II's reign, however, the official celebrations have often been held on days other than the monarch’s actual birthday.

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For example, King Edward VII was born in November but moved his birthday parade - otherwise known as a Trooping the Colour - to May or June to increase the possibility of good weather.

King Charles III also has a November birthday - he will turn 74 on 14 November - and it is believed he will continue the tradition with a Trooping the Colour held in a different month. 

The Queen usually spent her actual birthday privately with her family, but on her Official Birthday, she would be joined by other members of the Royal Family to watch the Trooping the Colour parade which would move between Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and Horseguards’ Parade. The display would then end with a fly over by the RAF. 

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According to the Royal website, more than 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians join together during the event in June, with the ceremony being broadcast on the BBC for those who want to watch. 

As well as having a second birthday, King Charles III was also entitled to change his name for his reign, but has decided against it.

When taking to the throne, British monarchs use a ‘regnal name’, which can be their name given at birth or a different one. 

And there had been some speculation that Charles would change his and use one of his middle names - Philip, Arthur or George - instead.

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However, it has since been confirmed that he will reign under the title King Charles III. 

It’s uncommon for a monarch to change their regnal name, the last person to do it was Queen Victoria, who was actually born Alexandrina Victoria, but used her middle name when she became queen in 1837. 

When Charles’s mum Queen Elizabeth II was asked what name she would be using as her regnal name, she quite famously replied: “My own of course.” 

And now it seems Charles will also be using his own, of course.