Why Prince Philip Isn't at the Trooping the Colour Parade Today
Prince Philip has been seen out and about quite a bit recently-meeting his new great grandson Archie, accompanying the Queen to the Order of Merit lunch, carriage driving on the grounds of Windsor Castle, and at Ella Windsor's wedding-but he's just days away from turning 98-years-old, and that entitles you to a break when you need it.
And today, it appears he needed a break.
This morning, the Duke of Edinburgh was missing from the royal family's appearance at Trooping the Colour. For those unfamiliar, Trooping the Colour is the Queen's official birthday celebration, in which members of the royal family gather at Buckingham Palace for a parade. The Queen's relatives also pose for a photo on the balcony of the royal residence.
Invitees include descendants of the Queen, her sister and her cousins, plus their spouses. The group often tips the 30+ mark, and for the Queen's 90th birthday in 2016, there were over 40 family members gathered. Even the Duchess of Sussex, who is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her first child, Archie Harrison, made an appearance at the celebration.
But Philip's absence today shouldn't be cause for concern.
In October of last year, ahead of Princess Eugenie's wedding, the Telegraph reported that Philip "now operates on a 'wake up and see how I feel' basis."
"The royals are like any family in the sense they try to make family occasions but it is not always possible," a source told the publication.
Perhaps he simply didn't feel up to a parade.
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