Harry and Meghan to miss Trooping The Colour but unexpected guest makes surprise appearance

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are excluded from the balcony but a lesser-known royal has received an invitation.


Pop Culture & Art June 03, 2024

Amidst the grandeur of Trooping the Colour, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's absence from the Buckingham Palace balcony is notable, alongside the unexpected appearance of non-working royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Since their departure from official royal duties over four years ago, Prince Harry And Meghan Markle has refrained from joining the royals for this iconic display.

Last year, the Sussexes remained conspicuously absent from the event, a trend that continued due to a ruling by the former monarch, Queen Elizabeth. 

The decision to limit balcony appearances exclusively to working royals excluded Harry and Meghan, given their status as non-working members of the royal family since early 2020.

However, one unexpected figure made a balcony appearance: Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne's husband, the Mirror reports.

Despite his non-working royal status, Sir Tim's frequent support for Princess Anne during her official engagements earned him a place on the balcony. 

According to the Mirror, the late Queen held Sir Tim in high regard, evident from his notable roles, including accompanying Princess Anne during poignant moments such as the procession for Queen Elizabeth's funeral.

This year's Trooping the Colour ceremony will see King Charles conducting the review of Guardsmen and officers from an Ascot Landau carriage alongside Queen Elizabeth. 

The change, from Charles inspecting troops on horseback last year, reflects adaptations due to the King's ongoing medical treatment following his cancer diagnosis.

While Trooping the Colour remains a significant event on the royal calendar, the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the balcony underscores the evolving dynamics within the royal family and the shifting roles of its members.

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