The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, have received a significant setback from the Ministry of Defence, as they have been prohibited from attending the Trooping the Colour 2024.
This annual event commemorates the Queen’s official birthday and is a cherished tradition within the royal family.
The decision to exclude Harry and Meghan, reportedly endorsed by King Charles, has evoked strong emotions of shock and anger from the couple, who had anticipated a return to the UK to partake in the festivities and reconnect with their royal relatives.
Having served in the army for a decade and attained the rank of Captain, Harry was stripped of his honorary military positions and affiliations following his and Meghan’s withdrawal from royal duties last year.
Meghan, although not involved in military roles, also faced repercussions, losing her patronage of the Royal National Theatre, bestowed upon her by the Queen.
The Ministry of Defence clarified that only active royal family members and their spouses receive invitations to the Trooping the Colour, an age-old custom showcasing British soldiers’ skills and allegiance.
The Trooping the Colour event, dating back to the 17th century, features a grand procession of troops, horses, and bands, culminating in a salute to the monarch and a breathtaking aerial display by the Royal Air Force.
Despite residing in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet, since departing from the royal fold, Harry and Meghan had intentions of journeying back to the UK for the June 14, 2024 celebration.
The couple, who have secured lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify, envisioned this occasion as an opportunity to reconcile with both the royal family and the public post their explosive revelations during the Oprah Winfrey interview.
King Charles, who assumed the throne in 2023 following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, has expressed disappointment over Harry and Meghan’s actions and has distanced himself from them.
Amid battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, King Charles aims to streamline the monarchy, focusing on his immediate family and eldest son, Prince William, alongside Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.
The Ministry of Defence’s decree, supported by King Charles, has left Harry and Meghan feeling indignant and slighted, viewing it as a form of reprimand for their past actions.
The couple faces accusations of disrespect and ingratitude towards the Queen, who had extended support by allowing them to retain their titles despite their exit from the royal sphere.
Reports suggest Harry and Meghan are contemplating legal recourse against the Ministry of Defence, intending to issue a statement conveying their dismay.
The exclusion from Trooping the Colour has ignited a contentious debate among the public and media, with opinions divided on the couple’s position within the royal family.
As the Trooping the Colour 2024 approaches, marking King Charles’s first official birthday, the event is anticipated to be a grand affair, symbolizing unity between the royal family and armed forces.
However, Harry and Meghan will observe from afar, estranged from their former familial ties.
The couple’s exclusion underscores their current isolation and detachment from the royal circle, emphasizing the complexities of their relationship with the monarchy and the public eye.