Many happy returns
orn to be queen on 21 April 1926? Well, not exactly. Up until the age of 10, Princess Elizabeth was only third in line to fame) abdicated, and her father George VI (of fame) acceded to the throne, the young princess moved up to be queen in waiting. Fans of will remember Clare Foy’s portrayal (season 1 episode 2) of the princess hearing of her father’s death while she was on a Commonwealth visit to Kenya. This picture, from 4 November 1952, shows a radiant Queen on her way to Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament. It was her first major engagement and took place before her coronation. The Queen has two birthdays, her real birthday in April, which she celebrates privately, and her official birthday in June (12 June in 2021), where she appears with members of the Royal Family at the Trooping the Colour parade, and watches the RAF flypast from the Buckingham Palace balcony. King George II started the two-birthday tradition in 1748. His real birthday in November was too cold for outdoor events, which were held in the summer instead. The Household Division’s website details the dress code for those attending Trooping the Colour: ‘Hats are optional but are recommended for paying the necessary compliments to Her Majesty…’ Hats off to you Ma’am, and happy birthday.
