The reason why Prince William might not get two birthdays like King Charles

British monarchs have been celebrating two birthdays every year since 1748 but Prince William might put an end to the long-standing tradition.

prince william in red uniform on palace balcony

Prince William might celebrate his birthday only once when he is king (Image: Getty)

Prince William might reduce celebrations for his birthday to one big event as he was born the same month when British sovereigns usually mark their official birthdays.

Since 1748, British kings and queens who were not born over the summer months have held the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony to mark their birthdays with more favourable weather conditions.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated her actual birthday in April, would normally hold the event in the first two weeks of June.

King Charles, who was born in November, has kept up with tradition and marked his official birthday on June 17 during his first year of reign, and then again on June 15 this year.

The Prince of Wales celebrates his actual birthday on June 21 and might decide to mark the occasion with the traditional Trooping the Colour parade when he succeeds his father.

king charles in uniform salutes troops

The King has kept up with tradition and also celebrates two birthdays (Image: Getty)

He could then host a smaller, more private, event with his family and friends later in the month.

William would not be the first British monarch to be born in the same period when Trooping the Colour is normally held.

George III, who became king after the official monarch’s birthday tradition was introduced, was also born in June and would normally host two events for the occasion.

He also made Trooping the Colour an annual event when he ascended the throne in 1760.

prince william with his family on palace balcony

William might opt for a more private celebration on the day of his actual birthday (Image: Getty)

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His granddaughter Queen Victoria, born May 1819, also hosted two events and only once marked both birthdays on the same day on May 24.

The infamous Queen was not fond of the tradition and only attended the parade once in 1895 when it was held at Windsor Castle.

George V and Edward VIII also hosted Trooping the Colour within weeks of their actual birthdays in June.