Why do we commemorate the Queen's birthday in June when it is actually in April?

Question

We celebrate the Queen's birthday on the 2nd Monday of June.

But her actual birthday is the 21st of April...

Why is this so?

Answer 1

The weather is usually better

Answer 2

The Queen's birthday is in June. Elizabeth Windsor's birthday is in April.

Two separate entities in the one skin.

Just as some English monarchs have elected to be known by different names when they ascend the throne.

For example, George VI took the name George to honour his father George V. His first name was Albert, and he was known in the family as Bertie. Edward VIII was called David in the family.

Elizabeth could just as easily chosen to be called Victoria, so she would be Victoria II not Elizabeth II!  

Answer 3

It is purely for ceremonial reasons. On the Queen's 'official' birthday is held the Trooping of the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards Parade in London.                                                                                  This goes back to the days when the flag, or 'colour' of each regiment in the British Army was paraded in front of the soldiers so that, in the confusion of hand-to-hand combat on the battlefield, the troops could recognise their own flag and rally to their comrades.

             As this is held in the open air it is held in June because the weather is better than in April when it can be very wet and cold.Sadly, as anyone who knows the unpredictable English weather can confirm, this is no guarantee!

Answer 4

Part of it is the weather for outdoor public functions. Plus it is for whoever the monarch of Great Britain is.

When Queen Elizabeth dies (and her mother lived to be over 100) and Charles, or possibly William becomes King, he too, will have his birthday celebrated in June. I think William's real birthday might be in June so it would come closer

Answer 5

One is her actual birthday, the other is the date when she inherited the throne.

Answer 6

Her Coronation was on 2nd June 1953. However, the royal website makes no mention of this fact. It merely states:

"The tradition of having an official birthday for the Sovereign was begun for practical reasons. Monarchs who had their birthdays in the winter months often encountered problems due to cold, wet weather spoiling parades and other outdoor celebrations."