**Title: Kate Middleton’s Absence at Trooping the Colour Sparks Reflection on Royal Roles**

The royal calendar is set to witness a significant shift this year, particularly with the upcoming Trooping the Colour event.

Traditionally a grand affair filled with pomp and pageantry, this year's celebration at Buckingham Palace may feel a bit sparse.

The iconic balcony, usually brimming with members of the royal family during the spectacular RAF flyby, might not be as crowded as in years past.

One notable absence could be that of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

At 42 years old, she is currently undergoing preventative treatment for cancer, which raises questions about her attendance at the event.

While it remains uncertain whether she will join the festivities, Kensington Palace has confirmed that she will skip the final dress rehearsal on June 8.

However, there's still a possibility she might make an appearance at the main event a week later.

In line with royal tradition, King Charles is expected to invite only working royals to participate in the birthday celebrations.

This exclusion means that younger royals like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are likely to remain in California, won't be part of the royal lineup this year.

Royal historian and expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop suggests that instead of focusing on the absence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, this moment could provide an opportunity to reconsider the roles of loyal royals.

She speculates that Kate's presence on the balcony during the event on June 15 is still up in the air.

“My hunch is that she will wave to us,” Dunlop stated, though she acknowledged that if Kate doesn't appear, it would prompt questions about the royal family's dynamics.

The balcony scene this year will undoubtedly look different, especially if the Princess of Wales chooses to stay away.

Might this be the right moment to reassess the roles of non-working royals?

With cousins like Eugenie, Beatrice, and Zara, who have long shown their loyalty, one wonders if they would welcome the chance to stand alongside the king.

After all, isn't that what family is all about?

Dr. Dunlop emphasized that this year's Trooping the Colour will highlight how much the royal family has evolved, even within just a year.

She remarked, “2024 is not royal service as usual.

Nor should it be.” With health concerns taking precedence for both the king and the Princess of Wales, the focus shifts from tradition to well-being.

Trooping the Colour is not just another royal event; it's a historical display celebrating the king's birthday, steeped in centuries of tradition.

The Princess of Wales has been a standout figure in this celebration over the past decade, captivating audiences with her poise and elegance.

Memories of the last Trooping the Colour, during the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, linger in the minds of many, where Kate shone brightly, embodying the spirit of the occasion.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically.

The new king will certainly be present for his birthday parade, but he won't be riding on horseback, reflecting the limitations that come with age and health challenges.

Likewise, the Princess of Wales finds herself in a vastly different situation as she navigates her own health journey.

With her recent honorary title as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate has earned a salute, but these are not ordinary times.

Her decision to forgo the Colonel's Trooping rehearsal on June 8 speaks volumes about the current state of affairs within the royal family.

Dr. Dunlop believes that while Kate represents British royalty at its finest, her choice regarding attendance will inevitably stir unnecessary speculation about Harry and Meghan, who seem increasingly distant from royal events.

As the monarchy adapts to these changes, one can't help but wonder how this will shape the future of royal engagements and the roles of its members.