Why Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Skipped Platinum Party At The Palace

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent from a star-studded concert at Buckingham Palace celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee over the weekend.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who traveled to the U.K. from California for the weekend of festivities to mark the Queen's historic 70-year reign, chose to skip the "Platinum Party at the Palace" tribute concert as they celebrated the first birthday of their daughter Lilibet Saturday.

The couple and their two children, including 3-year-old son Archie, spent the special day privately as a family, People reported.

Prince Harry and Markle have kept a low profile while in the U.K. The couple — who stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 — attended the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London Friday after watching Trooping the Colour from the Major General’s Office instead of the balcony the day prior.

While they have not brought their children to any of the Jubilee events, Prince Harry and the "Suits" alum announced in early May that they would be returning to the U.K. with their son and daughter for the festivities.

"Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited and honored to attend The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June with their children," the couple's spokesperson said in a statement.

On Saturday, Lilibet's uncle Prince William and aunt Kate Middleton posted birthday greetings for her on Twitter: "Wishing a very happy birthday to Lilibet, turning one today!"

Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Elizabeth also shared their birthday wishes for Lilibet—who is named in the monarch's honor—via Twitter.

It was unclear if any of the royals spent time with Lilibet for her birthday, but Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince William and Middleton all attended Saturday's "Platinum Party at the Palace" concert that day along with several other members of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth did not attend the concert due to her ongoing "mobility issues." But she did make a cameo in a pre-taped sketch with Paddington Bear, sharing the sandwich she "always" keeps stocked in her purse.

The show was hosted by Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp. It featured performances by Adam Lambert and the band Queen, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, Sir Rod Stewart, Alicia Keys, Hans Zimmer, Duran Duran, Andrea Bocelli, West End musical actors, ballet dancers and more.

Elton John made an appearance in a pre-recorded performance of "Your Song," which was filmed in the red drawing room of the Queen's residence Windsor Castle and was projected onto Buckingham Palace with the lyrics of the song during the concert.

The 75-year-old musician said on Instagram that he "was thrilled and honored" to be among the performers of the Jubilee concert. However, he couldn't perform in person due to his touring commitments. He had a sold-out concert in Milan, Italy, over the weekend.

Prince Harry and Markle have yet to confirm any other appearances for the Platinum Jubilee. It remains unknown if they will join the royal family at the Big Jubilee Lunch or Platinum Jubilee Pageant Sunday.