Princess Lilibet was pictured with Prince Harry at an Independence Day parade in Montecito just hours before her grandfather, King Charles III, attended his second coronation ceremony in Edinburgh.
The Duke of Sussex appeared to underscore his departure from the company when he took it to celebrations in California on July 4 celebrating America’s independence from British rule.
But when he showed two-year-old Lilibet the Montecito Association’s Village Road Show, his father, King Charles, was preparing for one of the most important moments of his reign: a second coronation in the land his beloved second son once called home.
Accompanied by family members, including Prince Harry’s own brother, Prince William, the King and Queen Camilla were honored at a prestigious event at St Giles’ Cathedral attended by senior royalty. But the duke himself was nowhere to be seen.
Prince Harry attended his father’s official coronation, the first in the UK in 70 years, but was only hours on British soil before returning to the US to celebrate his son Archie’s birthday, which falls on the same day fell.
Prince Harry carries daughter Lilibet as they enjoy a father-daughter outing near his home in Montecito on July 4
The Duke of Sussex kept a low profile as he stood amidst the crowd celebrating Independence Day in the US
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, the Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, during their visit to Scotland at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Wednesday
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex previously posted this picture of Lilibet at Frogmore Cottage, where she was celebrating her first birthday
His American wife Meghan Markle and their two children stayed at their home in Montecito, USA.
Sources previously said Meghan’s decision to stay in California came as a relief in some circles amid fears her presence could exacerbate family tensions.
The Duke of Sussex was pictured introducing his youngest child to the American holiday, which has seen countless US flags, cheering crowds and parties across the country.
Carrying his precious daughter in his arms, Harry seemed to be trying to keep a low profile as he was wearing blue jeans, a green shirt, a green beanie over his face and sunglasses.
Wearing a blue dress, white socks and red shoes, Princess Lilibet was seen gazing at the passing motorcade.
The parade, which the king attended, featured vehicles decorated with Independence Day memorabilia – but it came just hours before one of the biggest days of his father’s life.
Web previously reported it was not expected that the Duke would be in the UK to attend the event – a possible sign of how frosty relations between the two sides of the Atlantic remain.
Princess Lilibet wore a blue sundress, white socks and red shoes and had two pigtails in her hair
Prince Harry’s public appearance came just hours before his father’s second coronation ceremony in Edinburgh
He was seen holding his beloved daughter tightly as the motorcade passed
During the thanksgiving service and dedication for the coronation of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla were presented the honors of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) to the new king
The ceremony in Scotland will take place in London on May 6, eight weeks after the coronation
Colorful cars with USA-style decorations took part in the Montecito parade
Many of the vehicles taking part were vintage, as Lilibet celebrated her first Independence Day on US soil
In addition to vintage cars, emergency vehicles also joined the motorcade
Charles was presented with the Crown Jewels of Scotland today at a historic thanksgiving service, held in London eight weeks after his coronation.
The monarch received the Crown of Scotland, Scepter and Sword of State of the Scottish Honors at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
In a nod to his coronation in London in May, thousands of people gathered to cheer their new monarch as he took part in the holy celebrations, watched by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Spectators watched as a people’s procession moved from Edinburgh Castle to the Cathedral – a party of around 100 representing all aspects of Scottish society, from arts and politics to education, civil society and business, including charities supported by the king supported as patron.
However, the king’s younger son was nowhere to be seen as he instead spent time with his young children.
The king has only met his youngest grandchild once, at the late queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022.
Born in June 2021, Lilibet has lived her entire life in California, where the Sussexes moved after retiring from royal life.
Lilibet (pictured right with brother Archie and parents Harry and Meghan) visited the UK once for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022
She paid a visit to the UK once to mark the anniversary and also celebrated her first birthday with a picnic at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
In March, the Sussexes confirmed that Princess Lilibet had been christened in Montecito, California, after reports in People magazine of an “intimate” meeting at the Sussexes’ mansion.
It has also been confirmed that King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales were invited to the event but did not show up.
In May, Prince Harry came to the UK for the day to witness his father’s coronation amid a high-profile feud between himself and Meghan Markle and the rest of the royal family.
The Duke of Sussex seemed keen on showing his cheerfulness at Westminster Abbey as he chatted to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and their husbands Jack Brooksbank and Edo Mapelli Mozzi.
Months of unrest ensued after the release of Prince Harry’s bombastic memoir Spare, which upset some family members, most notably his brother William.
The prince has demanded an apology from members of his family for the way he says they have treated his wife.