The Sussexes have contrasting feelings about their absence from the 2024 Trooping the Colour event.
Despite being excluded from the annual military parade, which commemorates King Charles III’s birthday for the second consecutive year, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams informed The Sun that Harry regrets not participating in the ceremony.
“I think when it comes to military matters Harry has always taken an interest,” said Fitzwilliams. “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.”
Fitzwilliams continued: “We know they wanted an apology from the Royal Family for the way they were treated when they were senior working members of it. They certainly won’t get that. But I do think there will be a certain amount of regret.”
The British commentator pointed out that “military has been a very important part” of Harry’s life. The Duke of Sussex completed two tours in Afghanistan, one from 2007 to 2008 and then again from 2012 to 2013.
“I would have thought it only natural that he would have had a feeling of some regret [not being at Trooping the Colour],” Fitzwilliams said.
As for Harry’s wife, Fitzwilliams said: “I think Meghan would be indifferent to a ceremony like Trooping the Colour quite frankly. I have no idea whether she would or wouldn’t actually watch it, but I don’t think it would mean a great deal to her,” he added. “If it had done, she would have managed to carve a position within the Royal Family where she could have been of use.”
The Sussexes were predictably not included in the guest list for Trooping the Colour in London on Saturday.
Among those present were Charles, aged 76, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince Louis.
The Sussexes were also not invited last year, which marked the first Trooping the Colour during King Charles’ reign.
Currently residing in California with their two children, Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in 2020. Prior to that, they attended Trooping the Colour in 2018 following their royal wedding at Windsor Castle, and in 2019.
