A recent development in the Royal Family has highlighted a “very significant” message regarding Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, concerning their attendance at Trooping the Colour. This annual event, held in June, showcases a grand celebration of the King’s official birthday, featuring more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.
The ceremonial procession moves from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in London and remains a key fixture on the royal calendar. The Household Division regiments participate in honoring the British sovereign’s official birthday, culminating in a highly anticipated balcony appearance by members of the Royal Family. The 2024 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 14.
Notably, in 2023, Prince Harry was excluded from the event for the first time in his life. With the expectation that only working royals will participate this year, it is believed that Harry and Meghan will once again be absent.
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Since stepping down from official royal duties in January 2020, the couple has faced ongoing speculation about their appearances at royal events. Richard Eden, a broadcaster and royal expert from Daily Mail, remarked on the situation during a 2023 television segment. He noted that traditionally, there was uncertainty every year about whether the couple would attend. However, this time, they were simply not invited, which he described as a “significant” change.
Eden explained, “When Harry and Meghan quit royal duties, officials were keen to emphasize they would still be invited to occasions such as Trooping the Colour, so the fact they haven’t been invited is very telling.”
The commentary gained significant traction on TikTok, where royal enthusiasts shared mixed reactions. Some praised the decision, citing it simplifies the situation by removing ongoing speculation, while others acknowledged Harry and Meghan’s non-working royal status as the reason behind the exclusion.
Buckingham Palace has yet to officially confirm which family members will appear on the balcony for the RAF flypast, the climactic moment of the event. Nevertheless, indications suggest attendance will be restricted to working royals, confirming expectations that Harry and Meghan will not participate.
Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, have been a couple for nine years, meeting on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend in July 2016. Their relationship became public in November 2016, engaged in November 2017, and married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. They have two children: Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.