The reason why Prince Philip missed the Queen's official birthday

Jun 11, 2018

08:34 A.M.

Prince Philip failed to make it to his wife, Queen Elizabeth’s birthday parade recently. He’s spent the year missing many Royal events since retiring from his post.

In April, he also had hip surgery and couldn’t attend a number of events. He’s since been taking it easy but managed to be present for Prince Harry’s wedding last month according to Harpers Bazaar.

Last Friday, Prince Philip didn’t attend the Trooping the Colour celebrations. The event marks the Queen's official birthday.

Her actual birthday is celebrated on April 21. Queen Elizabeth II arrived alone to what was her 66th ceremony as sovereign.

There she was seen waving to the crowds as her carriage made its way to the Horse Guards Parade in London. Since retiring from public duties last year, Prince Philip is able to pick and choose the events he can attend.

His 97th birthday was on June 10 just days after the Trooping the Colour event. The Prince has spent the last several weeks recovering from a hip replacement surgery in April.

He spent a week at King Edward VII hospital before continuing his recovery at Windsor. However, he was well enough to attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan last month.

The Queen drew cheers from the crowds as she arrived. She was accompanied by the Royal colonels on horseback; the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards; the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals; and the Duke of Cambridge, Colonel of the Irish Guards.

This year is the first time that the Duke of York ridden in his new role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. He took over the appointment from the Duke of Edinburgh in December.

Prince Harry and Meghan arrived at the event together by car before riding in their own carriage. They just returned from their honeymoon in time for the celebration.

Trooping the Colour is an annual military event that celebrates the monarch. It is also known as the Queen's second birthday.

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