5 Bizarre Royal Birthday Traditions Prince William Could Scrap as He Turns 44

As Prince William is all set to ring in his 44th birthday on June 21, all eyes will be on him. While he is the future King and is expected to follow certain traditions, there is also lingering speculation that a lot of these age-old practices will be evoked under his leadership. While William is yet to inherit the throne, he has already spoken clearly of his plan to modernize the monarchy, one that balances royal heritage with contemporary expectations. From ceremonial parades and ringing bells to military salutes and commemorative tributes, there may be several traditions William decides to simplify, update, or even retire altogether.

For centuries, British monarchs have celebrated two birthdays: their actual birthday and an official public birthday marked by the grand Trooping the Colour parade. The tradition dates back to the 18th century, when summer weather offered more reliable conditions for outdoor celebrations. However, William's birthday falls on June 21, right at the start of summer. As King, he may see little reason to maintain two separate birthday celebrations when one could serve both purposes effectively and even align with the season.

The ringing of bells at Westminster Abbey has historically marked the birthdays of several senior royals, creating a distinctive royal birthday tradition. In recent years, however, financial pressures following the Covid-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in the practice, limiting it largely to the monarch and the heir. Given William's preference for a more streamlined monarchy, he could choose to formally end the costly custom and focus on simpler forms of recognition.

One of the most recognizable moments of Trooping the Colour is the Buckingham Palace balcony appearance, where the senior members of the royal family gather to watch the Royal Air Force flypast. Over time, the balcony has symbolized both royal unity and hierarchy. Yet William has consistently supported a smaller, more focused monarchy. As King, he may further restrict balcony appearances to only immediate working royals, reducing the scale of the traditional family spectacle.

Royal birthdays are traditionally marked by ceremonial gun salutes across London, including a 41-gun salute in Hyde Park and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. These displays remain a striking part of royal celebrations, but they also attract criticism for their cost, noise, and environmental impact. William, who has often championed environmental causes, like his father, could decide to scale back or modernize the practice to take a more eco-friendly, subtle approach.

Last but definitely not least, the Royal Mint frequently commemorates significant royal milestones with special-edition £5 coins featuring royal symbols, personal emblems, and themes associated with the monarch. These collectible pieces have become a familiar part of major royal celebrations. However, as William seeks to project a more modern and accessible monarchy, he may reconsider the scale or frequency of such commemorative releases, reserving them only for the most significant occasions rather than routine milestones.