When Is Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday?
Just How Does the Queen Celebrate Her Birthday?

Image Source: Getty / Popperfoto
We all know Trooping The Colour — the queen's official birthday — is the time for pomp and pageantry; for Prince George and Princess Charlotte balcony appearances, and for Kate Middleton to showcase her latest Jane Taylor cocktail hat; but the queen's actual birthday on April 21 is usually a more low-key affair. Low key, yes, but thanks to a very quirky combination of royal duties, she has also had her fair share of weird and wonderful birthday treats — including six thousand singing children, traditional feasting in a remote Korean village, making a solemn vow in the depths of South Africa, and more.
2016

Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool
2011

Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool
2006

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein Collection
1999

Image Source: Getty / CHOO YOUN-KONG
1996

Image Source: Getty / Tim Graham
1989

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
1986

Image Source: Getty / David Levenson
1976

Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
1965

Image Source: Getty / STRINGER
1960

Image Source: Getty / Ray Bellisario/Popperfoto
1953

Image Source: Getty / ullstein bild
1952

Image Source: Getty / Fox Photos
1947

Image Source: Getty / Popperfoto
1944

Image Source: Getty / Planet News Archive
1940

Image Source: Getty / Popperfoto
1939

Image Source: Getty / Keystone