A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they are “excited and honoured to attend The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June with their children.” Coincidentally this year’s Trooping the Color will fall on the same day that Meghan and Harry’s daughter Lili turns 1 year old—meaning that on June 2 she will celebrate her first birthday in the UK amid the celebrations for her great-grandmother’s official birthday, whom she will meet for the very first time when the Sussexes travel from California. However, we won’t see them on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the family for the Royal Ai Force’s traditional fly-by that follows the queen’s annual birthday parade, which is called Trooping the Colour. In a statement, the palace said the Queen has decided—“after careful consideration”—that the only royals who will be invited onto the balcony alongside her are those “currently undertaking official public duties.” Appearing on the balcony will be Duchess KateandPrince Williamand their three childrenPrince George, Princess Charlotteand Prince Louis; Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla; Princess Anneand her husband Prince Timothy Laurence;Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessexas well as their children; and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra. Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his titles following the settlement of his sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, will be notable for his absence. The queen turned 97 in April, but every year the monarch officially marks her birthday in June. This year is particularly significant because it coincides with the platinum jubilee, which marks 70 years since Elizabeth ascended to the throne. Confirmation that Meghan, Harry and their children will be present at the celebrations coinciding with their son Archie Harrison’s third birthday today—read the birthday messages from members of the royal family here. Next up, The Real Story Behind Queen Elizabeth’s Custom-Made, Color-Coordinated Umbrellas and Why She Has 100 of Them
