The Placement of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry at Trooping the Colour: A Reflection of Royal Protocol or Public Sentiment?

At the Trooping the Colour ceremony, the positioning of members of the royal family on the balcony is often a subject of public interest. In June 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex were placed towards the back of the balcony. This arrangement sparked much debate and speculation about their reduced status within the royal family following their departure from royal duties in early 2020. Let's delve deeper into the factors that might have influenced this decision.

Royal Protocol and Positioning

Typically, the positioning on the balcony follows a protocol based on seniority within the royal family. Senior members such as King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other working royals are usually placed at the forefront. This implies a clear hierarchy reflective of age, experience, and royal duties. At the 2022 Trooping the Colour ceremony, Prince William and Princess Catherine were positioned in front of Prince Harry and Meghan. This suggests that Prince William, as the son of a king, holds a higher standing than Prince Harry, who is of the same generation and rank as William. However, being a working royal and husband to the Duchess of Cambridge, William's position aligns with his greater responsibilities to the monarchy.

Public Sentiment and Familial Dynamics

The positioning of Harry and Meghan might also reflect the current dynamics and public sentiment within the royal family. Following their departure from royal duties, their relationship with the royal family became more complex. The public sentiment post-2020 was largely negative towards Meghan, and this could have influenced the royal family's decision to place them at the back of the balcony. The royal family's actions in managing media focus and portraying a united front can be seen as strategic decisions to emphasize the roles of active working royals during such significant events.

Media Attention and Strategic Positioning

Given the intense media attention Harry and Meghan receive, the positioning on the balcony could be a strategic decision to manage public perception and media focus. By placing them towards the back of the balcony, the royal family might have aimed to subtly remind the public and media of the continued importance of the active working royals. This strategic move not only emphasizes the roles of active royals but also manages the narrative around the couple, especially during events that are traditionally focused on supporting and celebrating the monarchy.

Conclusion

While the specific reasons for their placement are not publicly detailed, it is generally understood that their positioning reflects their current status within the royal family hierarchy. This arrangement, whether driven by royal protocol, public sentiment, or strategic media management, provides insight into the intricate workings and changing dynamics within the British royal family.