King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, celebrated Trooping the Colour over the weekend, but notable absentees included Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who remained in the United States.
The Sussexes have not attended the event, also known as the King's Birthday Parade, since 2019, a year before they stepped down as senior working royals. According to royal expert Tom Quinn, there were brief discussions among senior royals about inviting the couple to this year's ceremony, but the idea was quickly dismissed. "There was a brief discussion among the senior Royals about inviting Harry and Meghan to Trooping the Colour, but the idea was quickly dismissed because even if the couple accepted the invitation there is a feeling that they cast a dark shadow over everything," Quinn told The Mirror.
Princess Kate made a return to the public eye at the event following the announcement of her cancer treatment. The 42-year-old princess beamed as she stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the climax of the event. She waved to cheering crowds during the RAF flypast, standing alongside King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment. Kate was joined by her husband Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Despite Harry's absence, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that he might feel "regret" about his decision to stay away. Fitzwilliams noted Harry's enduring interest in military matters, which were a significant part of his royal duties.
Reflecting on the Sussexes' split from the Royal Family, Fitzwilliams said, "I think that he does unquestionably view the way the break has occurred with the Royal Family. Which, as I say in my opinion, is the fault of the Sussexes. They've been hoping for an apology from the Royal Family regarding their treatment during their time as senior royals, which is unlikely to happen. There's likely a touch of regret there."
