Since stepping down as senior working royals and relocating to America in 2020, Harry and Meghan haven't participated in Trooping the Colour. However, next year's event would have been their first opportunity to do so under Queen Elizabeth's reign. The event typically sees all heirs and spouses of the monarch gather on the balcony alongside other working royals. Therefore, Harry and Meghan could have expected to attend as representatives of the British royal family on the international stage. This move is perceived by some experts as a demotion of their status within the monarchy under King Charles, who reportedly doesn't want them to benefit from their royal status while not carrying out duties. Sources close to Harry and Meghan express upset at the decision, viewing it as petty and vindictive.
From Harry and Meghan's perspective, being excluded from Trooping the Colour is seen as a significant blow. They had hoped to reintroduce their family to the British public on an international stage during the event, marking King Charles's first birthday as sovereign. However, Charles's decision reinforces that without actively representing the queen and country, events like Trooping the Colour are off-limits.
This exclusion underscores Charles's message that official royal representation and taxpayer-funded engagement protection will only be extended to core members undertaking official public duties in the UK. While some argue the necessity for selective inclusion, excluding Harry and Meghan risks damaging family bonds and may perpetuate feelings of rejection and exclusion on Harry's side. Overall, this situation highlights the challenges facing the Windsor Dynasty post-Elizabethan era, emphasizing the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in the monarchy.
