- The Queen's official birthday, the second Saturday in June, is typically celebrated with the Trooping the Colour military parade.
- The ceremony was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The last time the event was called off was in 1955, when a national rail strike occurred.
- On Saturday, June 13, a "small, brief military ceremony" will take place to mark the Queen's official birthday, Buckingham Palace told People.
Pretty much all of the Queen's typical birthday celebrations have been thwarted this year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. On April 21, her actual birthday, the customary gun salutes were called off, government buildings weren't compelled to fly the Union Jack, and she spent the day in quarantine at Windsor Castle (though she did get a very cute birthday call from Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Archie). And Trooping the Colour, the grand military parade usually held on her official birthday, celebrated on the second Saturday of June, was called off too—for the first time since 1955, when a national rail strike resulted in the event's cancellation.
The Queen will still receive a little military celebration on Saturday, however. As People reports, the sweeping parades and Air Force fly-past of Trooping the Colour will be replaced by a scaled-down military salute at Windsor Castle, where the Queen and husband Prince Philip are isolating together. "There will be a small, brief military ceremony at Windsor Castle to mark The Queen’s official birthday," Buckingham Palace told People.
The royals typically gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the fly-past at the end of Trooping the Colour, but according to People, it's not yet known whether the Queen's family will be permitted to join her at Windsor Castle for the smaller military salute. It is, however, likely to be broadcast on TV. Media arrangements haven't been finalized, People reports—but your best bet is the BBC.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Princess Diana's Niece Amelia Spencer Reveals Secret Fifth Bridal OutfitRoyal (adjacent) wedding goals, period.
-
Meet the Model-Off-Duty Hairstyle That Doubles as a Faux Face LiftJawline? Snatched.
-
Hailey Bieber's Sugar Cookie Pedicure Is Almost Too SweetThe beauty founder is tapping back into a milky white nail trend.
-
Prince Andrew Shunned by Sister Princess Anne From Windsor Castle Event Honoring His Alma MaterThe Duke of York reportedly didn't get an invite to the exclusive dinner, but he "would have loved to have attended."
-
Norwegian Royal Family Releases Serious Update Regarding Queen Sonja's Health After Skiing IncidentThe Queen Consort was previously hospitalized for her condition and is set to undergo surgery.
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' NicknamesA royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
