Harry, Meghan and Andrew will miss the Queen's enthronement ceremonies

London - (AFP) - Queen Elizabeth II's son Prince Andrew, her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will be absent from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during a military parade that will launch early next month the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

The 96-year-old queen decided to limit the attendance to members of the royal family in the official appearance, after a military parade to be organized to celebrate her birthday.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said in a statement Friday that the people who will appear alongside the Queen on the balcony on June 2 are only "members of the royal family who carry out official duties on her behalf."

He added that the decision was taken "after careful consideration".

Speculation had been that the three individuals might attend the event, which spans four days of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, including tea parties, a pop concert and a public performance in central London.

In March, Prince Andrew (62 years) appeared for the first time since he settled a lawsuit filed by an American woman against him for sexual assault, after public outcry over his friendship with the American financial expert Jeffrey Epstein, who is accused of multiple sexual assaults.

Queen Elizabeth arrived at the memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, accompanied by the former Royal Navy helicopter commander, Prince Andrew, in a tired state and finding it difficult to walk and stand.

His prominent role at the memorial service in Westminster Abbey, and was reported by television channels, was taken as a sign that his mother believed he still enjoyed a role in family events.

His appearance, which was the focus of media coverage, sparked widespread controversy, and the Queen's announcement that he would not attend the Trooping the Color military parade may be seen as a sign that the palace does not want to repeat his appearances alongside the family on official occasions.

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has denied the American woman's allegations of sexual assault, and remains stripped of his honorary military titles and his role in charities, depriving him of any official royal role.