QUEEN ELIZABETH II is the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning female monarch in world history.
Her Majesty said her final goodbye to her husband, Prince Philip, in April – but she plans to live on in his absence and enjoy many more years as the Queen.
Why does the Queen have two birthdays?
The Queen has two birthday celebrations each year: one on her actual birth date, and the other on her “official” birthday – a public celebration.
Her real birthday is in April and an “official” celebration takes place in June.
This is because of how temperamental the British weather is.
The tradition for monarchs to have two birthdays was started by George II back in 1748.
At the time George was born in November and thought it was too cold to host an annual parade at that time.
He decided his birthday festivities would be combined with a military parade known as Trooping the Colour, which was held in spring.
The tradition for two separate birthdays continues to this day.
When are the Queen’s birthdays in 2021?
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, but her second birthday date changes every year.
It is usually held on a Saturday in June, often the second weekend, for convenience.
The “official” birthday is still celebrated by the Trooping the Colour procession.
Her Majesty is joined by other members of the Royal Family at the parade, which moves between Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horseguards’ Parade.
She also makes a public appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
In 2021, her official birthday is June 13.
How old is Elizabeth II?
The Queen is 94, making her the oldest monarch to have reigned in Britain with second place going to Queen Victoria who lived to the age of 81.
She is also the oldest reigning female monarch in world history.
Many will remember the Queen’s 90th festivities as one of the highlights of 2016.
Apart from when it is a milestone celebration, the Queen traditionally spends her actual birthday privately.
She became our sovereign on June 2, 1953.
Is the Queen preparing to stand down?
Over the summer of 2017 speculation grew that the Queen could stand down, effectively giving Prince Charles the throne.
The monarch was reported to have told her inner circle she would request the Regency Act be activated if she was still on the throne at the age of 95.
However, the speculation appeared to be quashed a week later when sources close to Her Majesty told HOARday Times she had no intention of stepping aside for Prince Charles.
They added that the Queen was as committed as ever to her duty.
The throne will pass to Prince Charles if the Queen abdicates, retires or dies.
From Princess Elizabeth to The Queen: the monarch over the decades
