Reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were excluded from special Trooping the Colour line-up
Harry and Meghan attended the event in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubileePrince Harry and Meghan Markle made an appearance at Trooping the Colour in 2022, but they missed out on a major tradition.
In early 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their senior royal roles. They moved to the US and now live in California with their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
But in 2022, the couple returned to Britain for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee. Celebrations took place across London, including her official birthday parade Trooping the Colour.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour
It was the last Trooping the Colour ceremony that Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, attended.
It’s believed the couple were joined by their children on the UK visit, which also coincided with their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday.
Trooping the Colour took place on June 2 that year. Members of the royal family stepped out for the military parade before making the traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast.
However, Meghan and Harry didn’t join the royals on the balcony. This is because Queen Elizabeth II made a decision beforehand.
Queen Elizabeth II’s balcony decision at Trooping the Colour 2022
Ahead of the 2022 ceremony, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had decided the balcony appearance would be limited for just working royals.
This, of course, prevented Harry and Meghan from appearing. Prince Andrew, who stepped away from duties in 2019, was also missing from the line-up.
A spokesperson for the palace said at the time: “After careful consideration, The Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday 2nd June will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of The Queen.”
However, Harry and Meghan were reportedly in a VIP section to watch the parade.
In 2019, the couple did appear on the balcony at the event as they were still working royals at that time.
Who appeared on the palace balcony?
In 2022, the balcony saw the queen joined by the then Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, Kate, their three children, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex and their two children.
Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence were also present on the balcony.
What is Trooping the Colour?
The event takes place each June in celebration of the monarch. The 2025 ceremony will celebrate King Charles for the third year. He became monarch in September 2022.
Ahead of June 14's parade, let's dive into one of the biggest royal events of the year...
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is the monarch's official birthday parade. It has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for over 260 years.
The event sees more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June.
A military parade takes place from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade as crowds gather the streets.
Members of the royal family step out for Trooping the Colour on both horseback and in carriages.
Royal family's balcony appearance during king's birthday parade
After the parade, an RAF flypast takes place as members of the royal family gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
They watch the flypast as the crowds below erupt into cheers.
The balcony appearance has given us some of the best royal moments over the years. King Charles and Queen Camilla are usually joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie usually join the celebrations.
The 2025 Trooping the Colour ceremony takes place in London on Saturday, June 14. This year marks the king's third birthday parade.
His actual birthday is in November. However, Trooping the Colour takes place in June due to the UK experiencing better weather.
In addition, the queen’s cousin the Duke Gloucester also joined the balcony appearance with his wife. The queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent also appeared.
Princess Alexandra, the queen’s other cousin, also joined them.
This year, the king and queen are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. We could also see Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.
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