MAIN Holidays King's Birthday 2024

It will be a birthday celebration fit for a king!

Watch for the official King's Birthday celebration to take take place in 2024 in London on Saturday, June 8.

The pomp and circumstance, the excitement -- and the expected throng of thousands from London, the UK and around the world -- are all a part of the annual festive celebration.

As usual, the festivities' highlights include the traditional Trooping of the Colour (with more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians) and end with the dramatic Royal Air Force fly-past witnessed by the royal family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

All about the King's Birthday

Although King Charles was actually born on November 14, 1948, the official Britsh monarch's birthday is celebrated each year on a weekend in June for purely practical reasons. The day usually presents more acceptable weather for a public party!

THE BIG FINALE: The Royal Air Force fly past the royal family in a salute to the King's birthday.

If you're not in town on the big day, the festivities traditionally air live, all or in part, on BBC One beginning at 10:30AM.

As well as in London and Windsor, events related to the King's Birthday are scheduled throughout Great Britain. Meanwhile, in New Zealand (first Monday in June), Australia (second Monday in June), and in Canada, (on the last weekend in May) schools are usually closed and Mpnday bank holidays give everyone the day off!

King's birthday fun facts

• The first British monarch to celebrate their birthday in June was King Edward VII. Although born on November 9, his official birthday was usually marked in May or June when there was a greater likelihood of good weather for a public celebration.

• In the UK, the most watched event of the day is the historic military ceremony known as Trooping the Colour - with a parade down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. That also includes fly-past of military aircraft and gun salutes at Hyde Park fired at high noon.

• Today, Australia is the only country in the world to celebrate the King's Birthday not once, but TWICE. While most of the country observes the day on the second Monday in June, Western Australia celebrates the Kings's Birthday on the last Monday in September or the first Monday in October.

More about the King's birthday around the Web:

Around the Web, find out more at top sites offering facts, information, and historical background about one of Britain's and the commonwealth's biggest public holidays:

Trooping the Colour - Check out the colorful tradition and customs surrounding the annual celebration held at Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall with related photos.

Sovereign's Official Birthday, Trooping the Colours, Queen's Birthday - Kid-friendly cartoon plus facts & information on the celebration including origins and history, customs & ceremonies.

King's Birthday - How it's celebrated in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and at other points around the globe, from Wikipedia.