Community Chat

[Tinkrbl44]

I keep seeing this mentioned in passing, but am not sure whose birthday this is .... Charles was born on November 14th, and it's not his one year anniverysary of being king, since his mother died in September. 

Whose birthday are they actually talking about?

[beckyb1012]

They will be celebrating his birthday just like the his Mother's birthday was celebrated on this day.  Since the 1700's the country as always celebrated the reigning monarch's birthday on that day.  Not their actual live birth day.

[Oznell]

@Tinkrbl44 ,  and @beckyb1012 ,  it was always fun seeing the Queen "trooping the colour" at her ceremonial birthday celebration every June--

Very picturesque ceremony.

[sugar plum]

@NYCLatinaMe 

I agree with your last sentence. This is just another celebration for people who hold no real value in the world at large.

[beckyb1012]

Part of the value of these "meaningless people" is the tourism it also brings into the country and all those families whose businesses profit from the weekend.  

[beckyb1012]

Interesting, I noticed the poster took out the phrase from their post on this thread  "meaningless people."  Still it was noted and observed.

[bikerbabe]

I always see the British royal family trashed here, but I wonder how many realize that many countries in Europe still have royal families, even if they are largely in ceremonial roles? No one complains about them.

Traditions and history are generally more valued in Europe than in the United States. Perhaps because they’ve been around a lot longer than us.

Does anyone know why June was chosen? Weather?😁

[SharkE]

Exactly.............

[beckyb1012]

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@bikerbabe wrote:
I always see the British royal family trashed here, but I wonder how many realize that many countries in Europe still have royal families, even if they are largely in ceremonial roles? No one complains about them.

Traditions and history are generally more valued in Europe than in the United States. Perhaps because they’ve been around a lot longer than us.

Does anyone know why June was chosen? Weather?😁

---

Could not find a specific reason for "June" but only found the below.

https://www.householddivision.org.uk/trooping-the-colour-origins

Origins of Trooping the Colour

Regimental flags of the British Army were historically described as ‘Colours’ because they displayed the uniform Colours and insignia worn by the soldiers of different units. The name ‘Colour’ continues to be used to this day. The principal role of a regiment’s Colours was to provide a rallying point on the battlefield. This was important because, without modern communications, it was all too easy for troops to become disoriented and separated from their unit during conflict.

If Troops were to know what their Regiment’s Colours looked like, it was necessary to display them regularly. The way in which this was done was for young officers to march in between the ranks of troops formed up in lines with the Colours held high. This is the origin of the word ‘trooping’. So, what today is a great tradition began life as a vital and practical parade designed to aid unit recognition before a battle commenced.

The Guards are amongst the oldest regiments of the British Army and have served as the personal bodyguards of The Sovereign since the monarchy was restored after the English Civil War in 1660. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during the reign of King Charles II (1660 – 1685). In 1748, it was decided that this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign and it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760.

Today, this colourful spectacular remains a celebration of the Sovereign’s official birthday. 

[bikerbabe]

Thank you @beckyb1012