The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations. The Queen has decided that only working royals will participate in the traditional flypast after the Trooping the Colour ceremony on 2 June.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that the balcony appearance will be limited to Her Majesty and those family members currently undertaking official public duties. This excludes Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties, and Harry and Meghan, who are no longer working royals.
Other family members, including Harry, Meghan, and Andrew, have been invited to other jubilee events, such as a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. It remains unclear if a second balcony appearance will occur after the jubilee pageant on 5 June, to which non-working royals could be invited.
Harry and Meghan, who will bring their children to the UK for the first time since moving to the US, expressed their excitement and honour at attending the celebrations. The Queen's decision reflects a trend towards a slimmed-down monarchy, as seen during the diamond jubilee when only six royals appeared on the balcony.
The Queen, who has faced mobility issues, is expected to participate in the celebrations, though her attendance at specific events will be confirmed closer to the time. The jubilee will also feature the Gold State Coach, making its first London appearance in 20 years, with archive footage of the Queen displayed in its windows.
