BrothersPrince Williamand Prince Harry have different roles during the Trooping the Colour processional.
During the festivities on Saturday, which celebrate the Queen’s official birthday, Harry noticeably wasn’t riding horseback alongside his father,Prince Charles, and brother,Prince William.
But why doesn’t Harry get to ride on horseback like William and Charles do? Well, it’s a matter of position.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Prince William.DAVID HARTLEY/Shutterstock
Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Andrew.TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images
However, not all royal colonels get to ride on horseback during Trooping the Color. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is also a royal colonel, as is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and neither of them have ever ridden on horseback during the celebratory day — neither does Prince Andrew or Prince Edward. The Queen andPrince Philipalso ride in a carriage (though the Queen has ridden on horseback in the past!), but at 93 and 96, respectively, we can’t say we blame them.
That’s because Charles, William and Anne are all Colonels of the Household Division, which affords them that special privilege.
Typically, the carriages are filled with members of the same “immediate” family — Prince Andrew withPrincess EugenieandPrincess Beatrice, Prince Edward and Sophie with their children, Lady Louise and Viscount James.
ThoughPrince Harryis not yet a royal colonel, the position could very well be in his future. His history of involvement in the military aside, as all the Queen’s children are royal colonels, Harry could become one whenPrince Charleseventually is king. Or earlier, if the Queen decides to bestow the title upon him.
source: people.com
