Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an appearance at Trooping the Colour in 2022, but they missed out on a major tradition.
In early 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their senior royal roles. They moved to the US and now live in California with their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
But in 2022, the couple returned to Britain for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee. Celebrations took place across London, including her official birthday parade Trooping the Colour.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Trooping the Colour
It was the last Trooping the Colour ceremony that Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, attended.
It’s believed the couple were joined by their children on the UK visit, which also coincided with their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday.
Trooping the Colour took place on June 2 that year. Members of the royal family stepped out for the military parade before making the traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast.
However, Meghan and Harry didn’t join the royals on the balcony. This is because Queen Elizabeth II made a decision beforehand.
Queen Elizabeth II’s balcony decision at Trooping the Colour 2022
Ahead of the 2022 ceremony, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had decided the balcony appearance would be limited for just working royals.
This, of course, prevented Harry and Meghan from appearing. Prince Andrew, who stepped away from duties in 2019, was also missing from the line-up.
A spokesperson for the palace said at the time: “After careful consideration, The Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday 2nd June will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of The Queen.”
However, Harry and Meghan were reportedly in a VIP section to watch the parade.
In 2019, the couple did appear on the balcony at the event as they were still working royals at that time.
Who appeared on the palace balcony?
In 2022, the balcony saw the queen joined by the then Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, Kate, their three children, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex and their two children.
Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence were also present on the balcony.
In Emmerdale spoilers for next week, Mack and John go head to head in a paintballing game but things take a dark turn.
Elsewhere, Ross meets up with a half-sibling he had no idea existed.
All this and more in Emmerdale spoilers.
1. A paintballing game to remember
John’s enjoying the praise for his heroism award but he ends up missing the event due to helping Aaron with a mental health crisis. Tracy and Vic then team up to hold a little do at the Woolpack to make up for it.
Mack’s not happy to have missed out and becomes jealous of John and Aaron’s relationship, starting to plot. At the stag-do, everyone’s excited to go paintballing.
Mack sets out on getting revenge as they head into the woods. But, John is aware he’s up to something and follows him deep into the woods.
Does Mack know exactly who he is messing with?
Emmerdale spoilers next week 2. Harry is rushed to hospital
Moira blames Mack for a leak in the slurry tank at the farm, with John enjoying watching him be accused.
The slurry actually ends up affecting the village’s main water supply though and Harry is rushed to hospital after drinking some of the contaminated water. Will he be okay?
3. Ross meets his half-brother
Moira finds a letter addressed to ‘The Family of Emma Barton’ and debates giving it to Ross. But, she’s soon haunted by her past.
Moira eventually shows Ross the letter, with Ross struggling to process the fact that he has a half-brother he’s never met. Matty then advises Ross to meet him as he has nothing to lose.
Moira panics when Ross heads off to meet Lewis – his half-brother. But, Ross is careful not to expose his family’s dark secrets while also answering Lewis’ questions.
With the conversation turning difficult, Ross decides to go back home and put an end to the family reunion.
Ross has no intention of meeting up with Lewis again. But, will he have a change of heart?
4. Liam prepares to move in with Chas
Liam grows frustrated with his living arrangements when he walks in on Mandy in a moment he’d rather forget. He’s thrilled when Chas asks him to then move in with her.
Paddy and Mandy are soon left for food for thought when Chas suggests that Bear in uncomfortable with his living arrangements. Bear’s shocked to then finds Mandy and Paddy have boxed up all of his things!
Emmerdale spoilers next week 5. Liam covers for Manpreet
Manpreet breathes a sigh of relief when Liam agrees to keep her secret about what Joe blackmailed her into doing.
Liam faces an inner battle though, struggling to see past Manpreet’s break of the professional code.
Read more: Ned Porteous’ future as Emmerdale sets up Joe Tate whodunnit
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, with an hour episode on Thursdays.
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In addition, the queen’s cousin the Duke Gloucester also joined the balcony appearance with his wife. The queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent also appeared.
Princess Alexandra, the queen’s other cousin, also joined them.
This year, the king and queen are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. We could also see Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.
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