Since stepping down as senior working royals and relocating to America in 2020, Harry and Meghan haven't taken part in Trooping the Colour. However, next year's event would have presented their first opportunity to do so under Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Typically, the event sees all heirs and spouses of the monarch gather on the balcony alongside other working royals. Thus, Harry and Meghan might have expected to attend as representatives of the British royal family on the international stage.
This decision by King Charles is viewed by some experts as a demotion of Harry and Meghan's status within the monarchy. Reportedly, Charles doesn't want them to enjoy the benefits of their royal status without fulfilling official duties. Sources close to Harry and Meghan expressed dismay at the decision, considering it petty and vindictive.
From Harry and Meghan's perspective, being excluded from Trooping the Colour is a significant setback. 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 underscores that without actively representing the queen and country, events like Trooping the Colour are off-limits.
This exclusion highlights 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 for selective inclusion, excluding Harry and Meghan risks straining family bonds and perpetuating feelings of rejection and exclusion, particularly from Harry's viewpoint.
Overall, this situation sheds light on the challenges facing the Windsor Dynasty in the post-Elizabethan era, emphasizing the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in the monarchy.
