James Wessex mysteriously absent from Trooping the Colour

James, Earl of Wessex was notably absent from Trooping the Colour 2024, despite his older sister, Lady Louise Windsor making a welcome appearance at today's prestigious event to mark the King's official birthday.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were instead joined by their daughter, 20, for the King's birthday parade, which ended with an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF Flypast.

James, 16, is currently studying at school in Surrey and it's most likely that his busy schedule, revision, and end-of-year exams prevented him from travelling down to central London.

The Earl last attended Trooping the Colour in 2022 - which was when the late Queen Elizabeth II celebrated what ended up being her final birthday parade just three months before her death in September.

One fan took to Twitter to mention James's absence, writing: "Great to see the family together. Missing James, Earl of Wessex, though." Another wrote: "Had he he attended, he would have joined his family in the carriage and on the balcony."

Prince Edward’s teenage son, James, Earl of Wessex, is at a very important stage in his educational career – studying for his A-Levels.

The 16-year-old was bestowed his father's previous title of Earl of Wessex in March 2023 - when Edward became the Duke of Edinburgh. Beforehand, James held the title ‘Viscount Severn’ from birth.

Since their children's births in 2003 and 2007, Prince Edward and his wife - Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh - opted not to use the traditional 'prince' and 'princess' titles for their children.

This suggests the young royals have the potential to decide their own future and a royal expert believes James will not take the traditional route of military service either.

Former BBC royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, told OK! Magazine: "I think we can expect James to follow his ambitions and not necessarily take the traditional royal route of military service."

Wearing a white and lilac floral dress by Suzannah and a Jane Taylor hat, Louise looked stunning as she took part in this year's Trooping the Colour alongside her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Royal fans were quick to celebrate Lady Louise's attendance, with many noting their jubilation on X. One person wrote: "So lovely that Louise is alongside her parents!"

Another said: "Oh how wonderful! Lady Louise is here with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh."

A third wrote: "Lady Louise is growing up into stunning young woman. I can't wait to see what she does with her life."

Eagle-eyed royal fans will noted that Louise was wearing the same dress that she wore to the King's Coronation last year, while the hat was borrowed from her mother.