Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's return to the U.K. for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a big deal: It's the first time the royal couple have attended a major royal event since their sensational departure from the senior royal family—and subsequent move to Montecito, California—in 2020. Royal watchers weren't expecting to see Meghan and Harry Thursday morning during Trooping the Colour—it had been firmly established that the couple would not pose for the traditional royal family balcony photo op, given their current status as non-senior members—but eagle-eyed onlookers spotted the couple watching the parade from the Major General's Office alongside other members of the royal family. (You can see the photos at the Daily Mail.)
In the photographs, Meghan jokes and plays with some of the royal children—Mike and Zara Tindell's kids Mia and Lena, and Peter Phillips' daughters Savannah and Isla—as they watch the Trooping the Colour parade. (Prince Harry was also photographed in the background, speaking with the Duke of Kent.) Meghan looked gorgeous in a navy dress for the event; she also wore a large white hat with a navy ribbon to match her dress (the Daily Mail says the hat was by Stephen Jones).
So, why were Meghan and Harry and the others watching from the Major General's office rather than the Buckingham Palace balcony, as it tradition? Well, the Queen announced last month that she's slimming down the group that will appear on the balcony with her this year, with Buckingham Palace: "After careful consideration, the Queen has decided that this year's traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday 2nd of 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."
Here's who made the cut:
(Side note: Prince Louis' expressions during the flyover are my new favorite thing.)
Harry and Meghan are expected to make their first official royal appearance on Friday at the National Service of Thanksgiving—day two of the four-day Jubilee schedule of events. Here's how to watch the Jubilee events from the U.S.
-
Kate Middleton Broke Tradition With Prince Louis's Adorable 7th Birthday Photo and VideoThe Princess of Wales is switching up the way she marks birthdays.
-
Florence Pugh Takes the Pointe Shoe Trend Center StageShe's so back.
-
These Affordable Sneakers Have Won Over Nearly Every Stylish A-ListerGet the A-list look for less.
-
Queen Elizabeth Gave the Perfect Response When Pope Francis Presented Her With Priceless Gifts for Prince GeorgeThe late pope spared no expense when it came to treating the infant prince in 2014.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Two-Ingredient Lunch Supposedly Helped Her Stay Healthy and Look YoungerThe late monarch was "not a foodie," but kept her meals simple and fresh.
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque""I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring StapleThe Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
-
The Witty Way Queen Elizabeth Responded When a Royal Family Member Said Corgis "Should Be Shot"Criticizing the monarch's beloved pups was a big mistake.
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana"I could have been a complete idiot."
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate MiddletonFrom her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
-
The "Awkward" Royal Family Easter Rule Kate Middleton Broke in 2018 Involving Queen Elizabeth IIThe Princess of Wales was pregnant with her third child—Prince Louis—at the time.
