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- Who stood on the balcony at Trooping the Colour 2026
- Reasons cited for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s absence
- Timeline of the investigations and public actions
- What investigators say and who is involved
- Palace measures and the loss of royal status
- Context: the Epstein connection and wider fallout
- Public interest and media scrutiny moving forward
The Duke formerly known as Prince Andrew was notably absent from the Buckingham Palace balcony as London marked the 2026 Trooping the Colour. While King Charles III and his close family gathered for the annual parade and flypast, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remained offstage amid ongoing legal and public turmoil.
Who stood on the balcony at Trooping the Colour 2026
On Saturday, June 13, crowds watched the traditional Horse Guards Parade and a military flypast honoring the sovereign. King Charles III appeared with Queen Camilla. Prince William joined with Princess Kate and their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 7.
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- Event: Trooping the Colour, the annual public birthday celebration for the monarch.
- Location: Horse Guards Parade, central London.
- Appearance: Senior working royals led public duties on the day.
Reasons cited for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s absence
Andrew’s omission followed several months of intense scrutiny and legal activity. He was arrested earlier this year by Thames Valley Police. The initial custody was linked to alleged misconduct tied to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
Police described the arrest as related to suspicion of misconduct in public office. That probe later widened to include allegations of sexual misconduct involving an incident in Windsor in 2010.
Timeline of the investigations and public actions
- October 2025 — The palace removed Andrew’s official royal titles. He was renamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
- February 2026 — Thames Valley Police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- May 2026 — Investigators said they were examining claims a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes.
- Ongoing — Police confirmed collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service and the U.S. Department of Justice.
What investigators say and who is involved
Thames Valley detectives described their work as methodical. They are sifting through a large volume of materials and public tips. The force said it is following all reasonable lines of inquiry, wherever they lead.
The inquiry is not limited to the U.K. authorities. The Crown Prosecution Service and the U.S. Department of Justice have been named as working partners in reviewing evidence and legal avenues.
Palace measures and the loss of royal status
In a significant move last autumn, Buckingham Palace announced formal changes to Andrew’s status. He lost his remaining official titles and was instructed to surrender the Royal Lodge lease.
Under the terms announced, Andrew would be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and would relocate to private accommodation. The palace framed the decision as necessary while noting he continues to deny the accusations against him.
- Title change intended to remove official royal roles.
- Lease on Royal Lodge to be surrendered and residence moved.
- Palace statement expressed sympathy to victims and survivors.
Context: the Epstein connection and wider fallout
Andrew’s long-standing association with Jeffrey Epstein has drawn criticism for years. Epstein died in 2019 while facing U.S. charges that included sex trafficking of minors.
That relationship prompted earlier inquiries into whether Andrew shared sensitive information during his time as a U.K. trade envoy. Those questions formed part of the backdrop to the current criminal probe.
Public interest and media scrutiny moving forward
The combination of legal proceedings and high-profile palace decisions has kept the story prominent in the press. Public opinion remains divided, and media coverage continues to track court steps and official statements.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators. Detectives say they are committed to thorough and impartial work.
