Prince William could ditch 300 year old birthday tradition when he becomes King

Prince William could one day inherit a royal tradition that gives the monarch two birthdays, despite his own date of birth already falling during the period usually used for official celebrations.

The Prince of Wales, who is first in line to the throne, was born on 21 June. When he eventually becomes King, however, his birthday could be treated differently under the long-standing system used for British monarchs.

At present, King Charles III has two birthdays: his actual birthday, which falls on 14 November, and an official birthday celebrated publicly in June.

The public celebration is marked by Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade held in London and attended by senior members of the Royal Family. The event is one of the biggest occasions in the royal calendar, with members of the monarchy traditionally appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the parade.

Trooping the Colour marks the monarch’s official birthday each June (Samir Hussein/Contributor/Getty Images)

This year’s Trooping the Colour took place on Saturday, 13 June, with working royals including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis appearing for the public moment.

The tradition of the monarch having a separate official birthday dates back centuries, but the modern version is closely linked to Edward VII.

Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 until 1910, was born in November, a month unlikely to offer ideal conditions for a large outdoor celebration.

He later standardised the summer birthday celebrations, combining the monarch’s birthday with military pageantry during a period more likely to bring warmer and drier weather.

That arrangement has continued through successive reigns, meaning the monarch’s actual birthday can be marked privately while the official birthday is celebrated publicly.

However, William’s own birthday could raise questions over whether the tradition will continue in the same form when he becomes King.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who previously worked for King Charles at Highgrove, has suggested there may be less need for a separate official birthday because William was born in June.

Speaking to Heart Bingo Online, as reported by the Express, Harrold said: “There is no guarantee that Prince William will scrap the two-birthday tradition when he eventually becomes King, but some royal watchers have speculated that he could choose to review it.”

"Because his birthday falls on the 21st of June, there would be less practical need for a separate official birthday, as the date already coincides with the time of year traditionally used for royal celebrations.”

William's own birthday falls close to the monarchy’s official summer pageantry for Trooping the Colour (Chris Jackson/Staff/Getty Images)

Harrold explained that the official birthday is the public event, while the monarch’s actual birthday is usually marked more privately.

He added: “The official birthday is the public celebration, marked by Trooping the Colour in June.”

"The event is one of the biggest occasions in the royal calendar and features military pageantry, a carriage procession, a Royal Air Force flypast and special appearances from members of the Royal Family.”

"King Charles’ actual birthday is on the 14th of November and is usually celebrated privately with family and close friends. While there may be public messages marking the occasion, it is typically a low-key affair.”

No decision has been announced on whether William would change the arrangement in a future reign.