King Charles has made a major point clear as Prince Harry reportedly snubs the Trooping the Colour balcony. The annual event, which marks the monarch's official birthday, will see the Royal Family gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony, but only working royals will be allowed to appear.
Trooping the Colour: A Changing Tradition
Trooping the Colour remains one of the highlights of the royal calendar, bringing the entire Firm together in a spectacular display of pomp and pageantry. However, the event has evolved considerably over the years. The days of the monarch's extended family filling the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF flypast are long gone. Balcony appearances are now restricted to working royals only.
This means that since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been absent from the palace balcony for the event's grand finale. The couple did attend Trooping in 2022 as part of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations but did not feature on the balcony. Since then, their relationship with their royal relatives has deteriorated sharply, following their outspoken criticisms in their Netflix documentary and Harry's divisive memoir, Spare.
Harry's Desire for Reconciliation
More recently, Harry has spoken of his desire to reconcile with his father, the King, as well as his brother, Prince William. So will he be watching them today, or taking part in the military parade? According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the Duke of Sussex will most likely stay away.
She told the Mirror: "I very much doubt that Harry will be watching from California, even though it's an event in which I'm sure he was always pleased to take part, proudly wearing his military uniform." She added: "I also think the King is right to keep the balcony appearance focused on the small band of working Royals. This is really a very formal occasion, and it illustrates the fact that there are now just a few royals funded by taxpayers to carry out a huge amount of public appearances."
The Ceremony's History and Scale
The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony has marked the official birthday of the reigning monarch for over 260 years. The occasion sees hundreds of horses and soldiers performing intricate battlefield drill manoeuvres accompanied by military music. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians unite for the spectacular display.
During the procession, members of the Royal Family travel from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade — either on horseback or by carriage. At Horse Guards, they observe the military spectacle before rejoining the procession back to Buckingham Palace once proceedings conclude. Following the parade, the royals assemble on the Palace balcony for a march-past and the RAF fly-past, which includes the Red Arrows, bringing the day's festivities to a close.
A Turbulent Period for the Royal Family
This year's occasion follows a turbulent period for the Royal Family — particularly regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office earlier this year. Jennie believes the royals will be hoping a display of solidarity today can draw a line under previous controversies.
She added: "Spectacles like Trooping do underline the continuity of monarchy as politicians come and go, the monarch remains, creating an impression of some sort of stability in these troubled times. And of course these have been troubled times for the Royal Family too, but this is an opportunity to show that — despite the torrid headlines — they are intent on carrying out their duties and that the core of the family remains very much intact and united."
"There's absolutely no doubt that they will be hoping for a quieter summer. But it could be a forlorn wish, with a visit from Harry imminent as he publicises the upcoming Invictus Games, and the Andrew saga endlessly creating new headlines."
