17 June 2023 , 15:41
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Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were among some of the most notable absences at King Charles' first Trooping the Colour birthday celebrations.
Thousands of people lined the Mall on Saturday to attend the first Trooping the Colour of King Charles III's reign, with the monarch riding on horseback joined by the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal.
The celebration, which dates back more than 200 years, also marks King Charles 'official' birthday and featured hundreds of soldiers, horses and musicians in a parade.
But the King's youngest son and his wife did not attend any of the ceremony, nor did they appear on the balcony.
The reason behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's absences is that they did not receive an invite, People reports.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not attend the Trooping of Colour (AFP via Getty Images)Instead the couple are believed to have to spent the day with their two children at their Californian home in Montecito, California.
Before the big day, the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers explained the absence, saying: "As the final touches are being made to the King’s first Trooping the Colour, one or two names not on the guest list are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
"After Prince Harry ’s whirlwind 30-hour trip to the UK it is understood there has been no contact between the Duke and his father or brother, despite his recent trip to London.
The Trooping The Colour parade in London (AP)"The Sussexes’ absence will come as no surprise but the poignancy of the no-show will be noted as yet another missed opportunity for Harry and his family to sit down and start a new chapter in their relationship.
"It seems clear from sources across the pond, that Meghan as well as not being eager to attend the Coronation, had no desire to make the trip for the family gathering this weekend, in celebration of the monarch’s birthday."
During the celebrations in London, The Princess of Wales travelled by carriage, despite now colonel of the Irish Guards, although she wore a green ensemble as a nod to the regiment.
Members of The Firm line the royal balcony to watch the fly-past from the RAF to celebrate King Charles' birthday celebrations (Getty Images)She was joined by Queen Camilla, who also wore a day dress, even though she is Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
It was all topped off with a spectacular flypast at Buckingham Palace, where around 70 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force took part.
As usual, several important royals were invited to the balcony at Buckingham Palace to have front-row seats of the display - but it was a very small turnout.
Joining the King on the balcony was his wife Queen Camilla.
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Prince William was there with his family - Catherine and their children, Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte.
Other members of the Royal Family on the balcony were Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.