Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have never attended Trooping the Colour, despite their cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis being regular attendees. The reason lies in their parents' departure from royal duties.
The Last Appearance by Harry and Meghan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their final appearance at Trooping the Colour in 2019, just weeks after Archie's birth. The event, held annually in June, celebrates the monarch's official birthday. King Charles, now 77, led the 2026 parade, joined by many family members, but his youngest grandchildren were absent.
Harry and Meghan attended together in 2018 and 2019. The 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time Trooping the Colour returned in 2022, the couple had stepped down from royal duties and settled in the United States.
No Invitation for Non-Working Royals
Since stepping down as senior working royals in early 2020, Harry, Meghan, and their children have not been invited to Trooping the Colour. This policy applies to all non-working members of the Royal Family. During the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, the couple was in the UK but did not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, as they were no longer working royals.
Unlike Archie, who was born in the UK, Lilibet was born in the United States after her parents left royal duties. This further distances them from the formal royal engagements.
Royal Cousins in Attendance
Archie and Lilibet's cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have attended Trooping the Colour numerous times. Their father, Prince William, is the heir to the throne, ensuring their regular participation in such events.
The absence of Harry and Meghan's children highlights the ongoing distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family, as they continue their independent life in America.
