The couple made their last Trooping the Colour appearance in 2022

The royal family seemingly delivered a “very significant” message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle regarding their place within the monarchy, and it came through a noticeable absence from one of the most iconic royal traditions: Trooping the Colour.

The annual parade is held every June to mark the monarch’s official birthday.

It features over 1,400 parading soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses, with the royal family making a highly anticipated appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the Royal Air Force flypast.

This year’s event falls on Saturday, June 14. But once again, it appears that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be missing from the guest list.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Invictus GamesMeghan and Harry last appeared at Trooping the Colour in 2022 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Have Harry and Meghan Markle been snubbed for Trooping the Colour?

In 2023, for the first time in his life, Prince Harry reportedly didn’t receive an invite to attend Trooping the Colour. Royal commentator Richard Eden called this shift “very significant”.

“It’s significant, when Harry and Meghan quit royal duties, officials were very keen to stress that they would still be invited to occasions such as Trooping the Colour,” Richard said for the MailOnline‘s Palace Confidential in 2023.

“So the fact that they haven’t been invited is very significant.”

Prince Harry and Meghan officially stepped down as working royals in 2020.

While the palace initially suggested they would still be welcomed at ceremonial occasions, Trooping the Colour 2023 marked a clear change in tone. 2024 and now 2025 appear to continue that precedent.

No official confirmation has been made regarding who will appear on the balcony for the RAF flypast.

However, it seems only working royals will appear on the balcony, effectively ruling out Harry and Meghan.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour 2019The couple attending Trooping the Colour in 2019, while they were still working royals (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Have the Sussexes attended Trooping the Colour?

Harry and Meghan’s last Trooping the Colour appearance as working royals came in 2019, shortly before stepping back from their duties.

They attended Queen Elizabeth II’s final Trooping the Colour in 2022 to celebrate her platinum jubilee. However, the couple did not appear alongside other royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Harry and Meghan first met on a blind date in 2016. They married in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018. The couple now share two children: Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
Royal family on palace balcony at Trooping the ColourThe royal family on the palace balcony at Trooping the Colour last year (Credit: John Rainford/Cover Images)
While their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and public appearances have kept them in the spotlight, it’s increasingly clear that formal royal events are no longer part of their orbit.

So the fact that they haven’t been invited is very significant.

The royal family’s decision to draw a firm line at Trooping the Colour appears to reflect that.

Royal watchers note that King Charles’ vision for a “slimmed-down monarchy” is now taking shape.

Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.