The Queen And Meghan Markle Won't Follow Easter Traditions This Year

The British royal family has been known for its penchant for sticking to traditions. But it looks like they can’t avoid breaking their usual Easter Sunday routine this year, and it has something to do with Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

The usual Easter routine for the royal family is for the Queen and the entire family to attend church service at St George Chapel. On the days leading up to Easter, the Queen usually goes to different cathedrals across the country to hand out Maundy Money. This is actually a tradition that dates back to 600AD, where the monarch will give coins to 80 men and 80 women for their contribution to the community.

But that tradition might not happen this year. The main reason for the disruption of their usual routine is that Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday falls exactly on Easter Sunday. Her Majesty was born on April 21, 1926, which means that she will be celebrating her 93rd birthday anniversary this Easter.

At the moment, however, it is still unknown just what the royal family planned to do for the Queen’s birthday. However, the royal family site says that Her Majesty’s birthday is usually a private affair.

“The Queen usually spends her actual birthday privately, but the occasion is marked publicly by gun salutes in central London at midday: a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park, a 21 gun salute in Windsor Great Park and a 62 gun salute at the Tower of London,” the royal family’s website explained.

Her Majesty might also make a public appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony. “On her official birthday, Her Majesty is joined by other members of the Royal Family at the spectacular Trooping the Colour parade which moves between Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horseguards’ Parade as well as a public appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace,” the site added.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are likely to be absent from the Queen’s birthday as well. The reason is that Meghan is expecting their first child’s delivery soon. The due date is said to be between late April and early May, and it may not be practical for her to travel at this point in time.