Harry and Meghan not invited to King Charles first Trooping the Colour parade

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have missed out on an invitation to a major King Charles event. See what and why.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have apparently not been invited to King Charles’ first Trooping the Colour as monarch.

It would mark the first time the Sussexes have not been asked to attend the annual ceremony, which celebrates the reigning monarch’s birthday.

The last time Harry and Meghan took part in the event was in 2019.

Meghan and Harry watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour in 2018. They did not look happy. Picture: Getty Images

The couple did attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 but, as they were no longer senior royals, missed out on the Trooping of the Colour balcony appearance.

“I hear that Prince Harry and Meghan have not been invited to the King’s Birthday Parade next weekend,” the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden said.

Charles with Queen Elizabeth II during the 2022 Trooping of the Colour. Picture: AFP

A source told Eden: “I’m afraid it’s a reflection of the state of relations at the moment”.

It’s unclear if Prince Andrew will make an appearance at the event after being banned from taking part last year.

The parade, being held on Saturday local time, is expected to stick to tradition with the exception of one major change.

King Charles III pictured on Monday with the Flying Scotsman at Pickering Station in celebration of its 100th anniversary. Picture: Getty Images

Buckingham Palace announced that the King will join the military parade by riding on horseback for the occasion.
It will be the first time in decades that a reigning monarch has ridden in the parade since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

Prince William will join Charles on horseback, while royals will travel in carriages from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to watch the service.

There will also be the traditional appearance of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a RAF flypast.