A cameo by the Sussexes was always unlikely.

Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Skipped Trooping the Colour 2024

This year’s Trooping the Colour may have marked a public family reunion for Princess Kate and other royals, but two family members were still notably missing from the celebration.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan were not among the attendees at today’s Trooping the Colour ceremony in London. The annual event, which typically takes place in June, is an official celebration of the reigning British monarch’s birthday. People previously reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not receive an invitation to this year’s festivities.

The couple reportedly did not receive an invitation to last year’s ceremony either, the first-ever Trooping the Colour held in honor of Harry’s father, King Charles III.

The last time the Sussexes attended Trooping the Colour was in 2022. The two had traveled to London for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, but had maintained a low profile throughout their days-long visit. At that year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, neither Harry nor Meghan participated in the military procession down the Mall or for the traditional family appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson explained the situation to Bazaar, saying that only senior royals who were “currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the queen” had been invited to make public appearances.

london, england june 09 meghan, duchess of sussex and prince harry, duke of sussex during trooping the colour on the mall on june 9, 2018 in london, england the annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of king charles ii the parade marks the official birthday of the sovereign, even though the queens actual birthday is on april 21st photo by chris jacksongetty images

Harry and Meghan have made a few visits to the United Kingdom since stepping back from their roles as working senior royals in 2020.

The duke was last in London just last month to host the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration, though he didn’t see Charles during the trip. “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” a Sussex representative told Bazaar. “The duke, of course, is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Harry did get a chance to reunite with his late mother’s side of the family. Princess Diana’s siblings, brother Charles Spencer and sister Lady Jane Fellowes, supported the prince at the Invictus Games’ Service of Thanksgiving held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.