Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's absence from the forthcoming Trooping the Colour is probably more of a relief than a regret for the couple, according to a royal commentator, according to The Mirror.
Although the pair were reportedly invited to join the full Royal Family for King Charles' inaugural Trooping the Colour on the Buckingham Palace balcony, they have opted not to participate. Since stepping back from their senior royal duties in 2020, they have not been part of this annual tradition, and relationships with Harry's family have become increasingly strained, thanks to their revealing Netflix series and the Prince's memoir.
Tessa Dunlop, a royal expert and author, doesn't see this as a cause for disappointment for the couple. As she explained to The Mirror, "Trooping the Colour is a duty of our working royals. This isn't just a celebration, but a responsibility that underpins the military's hierarchical structure with a symbolic figurehead."
"Harry, despite his commendable service in Afghanistan, is now an army veteran like any other. His honorary uniform and titles are no more," she added.
Referring to last year's appearance, Dunlop highlighted the contrast between the then and now, "He was present at last year's Trooping of the Colour to honor the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as her former commander-and-chief. However, he and Meghan were barely visible, seen only briefly through a window. The days of balcony appearances are over."
Touching upon Harry's previous appearances before he resigned as a senior royal, Dunlop observed that Harry's ceremonial roles had been limited due to his status, which could have been a source of contention.
"When Harry and Meghan were active royals, during the Trooping of the Colour, Harry wasn't bestowed with a role on horseback, unlike his brother. Being in the shadow of William was challenging for him, and I suspect he's likely relieved to avoid this ceremonial occasion now," Dunlop stated.
Amid unresolved family tensions, Prince Harry's primary focus during his UK visits appears to be his ongoing legal battles. Dunlop concludes, "Harry is a transformed man, choosing his life in America and the liberation it offers over the responsibilities of the British royal family. His absence will undoubtedly be a disappointment to his British fans, but it's a reality we must acclimate to."
