The Queen will turn 96 on Thursday 21st April 2022, but her bigger birthday celebrations won't begin until June with the annual Trooping of Colour parade.
As part of a long-standing tradition that dates back to the reign of King George II, Her Majesty celebrates two birthdays just in case the weather in April is bad. According to the BBC, The Queen's great-grandfather, Edward VII, who was King from 1901 to 1910 was born in November, but celebrated his birthday during the summer months so a big public celebration could take place when the sun was shining.
"It's a tradition that monarchs have had an official birthday, just in case their real birthday falls perhaps in November, as Prince Charles' does," NBC royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said. "Because it was always considered that you couldn't do a lot of processional celebrations if the weather was bad."
How does the Queen celebrate her birthday?
The Queen usually spends her official birthday in April with family members, opting for a more private affair. To mark Her Majesty's birthday, two public military salutes will take place on 21st April.
Larger, more public celebrations will be marked with the annual Trooping of the Colour parade. The ancient ceremony, which has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years, will bring together 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians, as well as a fly-past by the Royal Air Force. This year, it falls on Thursday 2nd June ahead of her Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Trooping the Colour will be broadcast live by the BBC on Thursday 2nd June. For more information about how to watch the Trooping the Colour Parade, and how to apply for places in the seated stands at the Horse Guard's Parade, head over to the Household Division's website.
It's a great excuse for more celebrations!
Platinum Jubilee souvenirs and gifts to celebrate the Queen
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee God Save The Queen Mug
This historic jubilee makes a great excuse to add another Emma Bridgewater mug to your collection! This one features our national anthem in EB's signature script on a proud red background.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Here's a more subtle design from Emma Bridgewater.
Emma Bridgewater Queen's Platinum Jubilee 70 Glorious Years Mug
Lastly, the potter has this vibrant green option. Which will you choose?
Harrods Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
Harrods has released its own commemorative mug, too. This fine bone china option features the dates of the Queen's reign in shining gold and finished with the royal crests.
Sandie Burton Designs Queen's Platinum Jubilee Cushion Cover
Particularly dedicated royalists will be pleased with this lovely handmade cushion cover; it's thoroughly celebratory without being garish. It'd fit right in with a country cottage scheme while adding a cheerful flash of colour.
Platinum Jubilee Tea Towel
This design is also available as a tea towel, if you prefer – in a good range of colours.
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Plate
This makes a fun memento – use it to display your scones or sandwiches for your Jubilee garden party over the bank holiday weekend, then display it on the wall or your cabinet after the festivities are done.
Platinum Jubilee Bunting
Hang this suitably British bunting around your garden fence, conservatory or the front of your property to show your appreciation for our longest-reigning monarch. It comes in either two or five metre lengths, or you can ask for your specific requirements.
Historic Royal Palaces 2022 Platinum Jubilee Imperial State Crown Decoration
Made from gold-plated pewter and studded with glittering crystals, this ornate decoration is exclusive to the Historic Royal Palaces shop. Keep it proudly on display in a cabinet, or you could even use the hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas tree ornament, if you like.
Rice Paper Cake Toppers
No garden party is complete without cake. These rice paper toppers will ensure your offerings are less Victoria sponge and more Elizabeth II – much more appropriate, in this instance!
Cheviot Ceramics Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug
A subtle design finished with traditional royal purple crowns; these are lovingly hand-painted to order, so you know you're getting something thoughtful to commemorate this special occasion.
Royal Collection Shop Longest Reigning Monarch Commemorative Oval Charger
Okay, this charger plate is expensive, but it is handmade from fine bone china and finished with burnished 22-carat gold detailing, so it is a really exquisite piece. Plus, we're sure you agree that a Platinum jubilee party deserves something extra special to celebrate properly. Put this plate pride of place on your table to show off your afternoon tea spread for your do.
Emma Bridgewater Crown Jewels Tea Towel
With its ornate crown, orb and sceptre design, this lovely Emma Bridgewater design will pay homage to our queen while brightening up your kitchen (and helping with the washing up!).
Traditional tones in white, blue and red here for this tea towel – and there's some matching bunting available, too.
More tea towels here – choose your favourite design, or collect all three!
Harrods HM Queen Elizabeth II Teapot
To match the charger plate above, this charming teapot will finish off your royal scheme perfectly. We just love the little crown on the lid.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
