Once again, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were notably absent from a key royal event, raising eyebrows and stirring conversations.
This time, it was King Charles III’s second official birthday celebration on June 15 that saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex missing in action.
Their absence from the festivities in London marks the second consecutive year they were not invited to Trooping the Colour, a traditional event that has deep roots in British royal history.
Trooping the Colour is more than just a parade; it’s a grand spectacle featuring over 1,400 soldiers and a rich tapestry of military tradition believed to have originated during King Charles II’s reign.
While the event celebrates the official birthday of the monarch, it’s worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday falls on April 21.
For years, Prince Harry was a staple at this celebration, often seen proudly participating alongside his family.
The couple first attended Trooping the Colour together in 2018, shortly after their wedding.
That year, they rode down the Mall in a horse-drawn carriage, soaking in the pageantry.
Meghan made her debut at the event just a month after saying “I do,” and the couple continued to make appearances together, including one shortly after the birth of their son, Archie, in 2019.
Fast forward to 2022, when Harry and Meghan did make the journey from California to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations honoring the late Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
However, they opted out of the parade itself and chose to watch from a private room above Horse Guards Parade, as the balcony gathering was limited to working royals and their children—a decision reportedly made by Queen Elizabeth.
Since King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not participated in Trooping the Colour.
Harry’s recent visit to the UK in May was primarily for the Invictus Games, an event close to his heart that supports veterans and service members.
Unfortunately, he missed the chance to reconnect with his father, as King Charles had a packed schedule.
The last time the father and son duo met was back in February, when Harry traveled to London amid concerns about the King’s health.
These missed opportunities for familial connection have left many wondering about the current state of their relationship.
Meanwhile, the Trooping the Colour event this year was filled with royal charm, featuring appearances from Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and their parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
They waved enthusiastically from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, embodying the spirit of the occasion.
This year’s celebration also marked a significant moment for Kate Middleton, who made her first royal appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
Riding in a horse-drawn carriage and later appearing on the balcony, she confirmed her participation just a day prior, sharing a heartfelt update on her health following recent abdominal surgery.
In a poignant video released earlier in March, Kate opened up about her journey, revealing her cancer diagnosis and ongoing chemotherapy treatments.
Her courage and resilience during such challenging times have garnered widespread admiration and support from both the public and her royal family.
As the royal family continues to navigate their evolving dynamics, the absence of Harry and Meghan at significant events like Trooping the Colour raises questions about their future involvement in royal traditions.
