BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SOLOMON Islands today marked King Charles III’s 75th birthday with an official parade celebration at Solomon Islands National Stadium, east of Honiara.
Acting Governor General (GG) Patteson Oti said that King Charles III’s birthday on November 14, 1948, is celebrated twice a year, coinciding with his late mother’s birthday on April 21, 2022.
“King Charles III was born November 14, 1948. He will turn 76 this year. So why are we celebrating his birthday in June? He gets to celebrate his birthday twice every year, as it was for his late mother, whose real birthday was April 21. The reason for this is that, for many people, it is confusing. It was winter weather in Britain during the birth of his Royal Highness King Charles III and also his mother, who passed away in 2022,” said Oti.
“With the winter in Britain and traditionally in the British monarchy, those who were not born in the summer get to celebrate their birth days twice, once on their real date of birth and later during the British summer.”
Acting GG said that King George the Second started this tradition in 1748.
“He had a November birthday and, at the same time, announced that it was too cold to hold a public grant parade. He has been a constitutional monarch. Solomon Islands is marking his majesty’s official birthday for the second time now since the passing of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth the Second,” said Oti.
His Excellency said that the celebration of the King’s birth day in Commonwealth countries serves several purposes.
“Firstly, simple unity and continuity. The King’s birthday celebration serves as a magnifying event for commonwealth nations, regardless of their geographical location or cultural differences. It reinforces the shared history and tie between those countries as they come together to honor the monarch,” said Oti.
“Secondly, ceremonial tradition. The king’s birthday celebration is a long-standing tradition in many Commonwealth countries. It provides an opportunity for ceremonial displays, including military parades, public festivities, and cultural events that showcase national pride and identity.
“Thirdly, the recognition of the monarchy By celebrating King’s Day, Commonwealth countries reaffirm the British Crown and acknowledge the constitutional role of the monarch as the symbol of the head of state, which reinforces the monarchical government in this country.
“Fourthly, public holidays and festivities.’’
Acting GG Oti said that in many Commonwealth countries, King’s Day is observed as a public holiday that provides citizens with a day off from work and school to participate in various activities, fostering a sense of togetherness.
“Fifthly, diplomatic relations. King’s Day celebration often serves as an occasion for diplomatic engagement and exchange with a Commonwealth nation. It provides an opportunity for leaders and representatives from different countries to come together, strengthen bilateral ties, and discuss shared interests and concerns,’’ said Oti.
The Acting GG later stressed that overall, celebrating King’s Day in the Commonwealth countries is a multifaceted event that reflects historical ties, cultural traditions, and temporary diplomatic relations within the Commonwealth community.
