What is Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour is the British monarch’s official birthday ceremony, organized by the Household Division with a procession, march past, and flypast. It has marked the sovereign’s official birthday since 1748, typically held in June on Horse Guards Parade in London. The event features hundreds of soldiers, musicians, and members of the royal family, and it remains a key ceremonial occasion for the institution.
Meghan Markle’s royal role and visibility
Background and early royal duties
Meghan Markle joined the senior working royal family after marrying Prince Harry in May 2018. During her first year as a working royal, she attended several major ceremonial events, including Trooping the Colour. Her public role reflected the couple’s shared duties as working members of the monarchy at that time.
Trooping the Colour appearances before stepping back
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June 2018 | First Trooping the Colour as a working royal | Marked her formal debut at the sovereign’s official birthday ceremony. |
| June 2019 | Appeared on the balcony with Prince Harry and senior royals | Demonstrated her established presence at the traditional balcony moment. |
| 2020 and occasional later appearances | Reduced but notable attendance amid global and personal changes | Reflected shifting schedules, private family matters, and the broader contraction of public engagements. |
Through this period, Meghan’s role at Trooping the Colour evolved alongside her responsibilities as a working royal, including accompanying Harry to events and supporting broader charitable objectives.
Key details about Trooping the Colour
- It is the sovereign’s official birthday, not the calendar birthday, and has been organized by the Household Division for centuries.
- The ceremony traditionally includes a march past by regiments, music, and the monarch’s inspection of troops.
- A balcony appearance typically follows the ceremony, where selected royals and veterans acknowledge the crowds.
- While the event often features a mix of working royals, participation varies by year due to schedules, overseas visits, and personal circumstances.
Public and media narrative around Meghan at the ceremony
Meghan’s presence at Trooping the Colour was frequently highlighted in global coverage of royal events. Media attention often focused on fashion choices, family appearances on the balcony, and the couple’s shared visibility. As part of the working royal family, her attendance was treated as a marker of the couple’s integration into ceremonial life, even as scrutiny increased.
Changes after stepping back from royal duties
In early 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they would step back as senior working members of the royal family and subsequently moved to North America. Following this decision, their participation in UK-based ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour became less regular. Occasional absences and shifts in balcony lineups reflected both personal priorities and the practicalities of long-distance living, marking a clear transition in their level of involvement.
Current expectations and ceremonial attendance
Meghan and Harry have indicated they remain supportive of the monarchy while living outside the system. Their attendance at future Trooping the Colour events is not anticipated as part of their current royal obligations. Any presence would likely be determined by personal circumstances, family priorities, and invitations aligned with the ceremony’s evolving format.