Bizarre reason King Charles has two birthdays as he celebrates one today

Imagine getting to celebrate your birthday twice a year.

Twice as much birthday cake, twice as many presents and twice as many days where it's all about you.

Most of us can only dream of such a joy, instead settling for stretching out our birthday celebrations as much as possible into a so-called 'birthweek.'

But, for King Charles, it's a reality.

As well as his actual birthday on 14 November, the monarch is being honoured today (15 June) with public festivities and a parade known as Trooping the Colour.

Alongside his actual birthday, King Charles has an 'official' birthday in June (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

During the Trooping the Colour, which happens annually on the second Saturday of June, more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will march from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade and back again.

According to the Household Division, the parade's name comes from officers from the different regiments of the British Army displaying their flags or 'colours.'

Its origins trace back to the battlefield, when these flags signalled a rallying point for soldiers.

"In order to ensure that every soldier would be able to recognise their colours, the flag would be marched or 'trooped' regularly around the ranks," the Royal Museums Greenwich says.

"A regiment’s colours came to have huge significance for serving soldiers, and the gain or loss of colours were seen as decisive moments in battle."

But why doesn't the celebration happen on the King's actual birthday in November?

The official celebrations coincide with the annual Trooping the Colour (John Phillips/Getty Images)

The tradition of the monarch having both an actual birthday and an 'official' birthday dates back to the 18th century.

In 1748, King George II decided to combine the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration even though he was born in November.

The reason why the festivities take place in June is also quite practical as the weather tends to be better, which makes sense to be fair.

The Royal Museums Greenwich notes: "With a November birthday being too cold for a celebratory parade, he tied his celebrations in with the annual Trooping the Colour military parade."

So, it's ultimately the British weather that has to answer for the King getting two birthdays and we're not jealous at all that we're not afforded the same luxury.

Although, with Prince William's birthday taking place on 21 June - coinciding perfectly with the annual Trooping the Colour - when he eventually inherits the throne, he may just have the one like the rest of us mere peasants.