The British royal family is famous all over the world, and whenever King Charles, Prince William, or other royals appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, it’s always a spectacular moment.

This iconic balcony, which connects to the East Wing of the palace where the Yellow Drawing Room, the Centre Room, and the Principal Corridor are located, is one of the most recognized balconies in the world.

It’s often used during major events like Trooping the Colour or royal weddings, when the King and his family come out to wave at the cheering crowds below.

But have you ever wondered what the rules are for who gets to stand on that balcony? Who’s allowed up there—and is it always the same people? Let’s take a look back at royal history to find out.

Who are the people on the balcony at Buckingham Palace?

The Buckingham Palace balcony is typically reserved for the monarch—currently King Charles—and Queen Camilla. Key royal family members like Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children also appear during major events such as the King’s Birthday or state occasions.

Other working royals like Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and the Duke of Kent may also join. The balcony has long been a symbol of unity, with past monarchs like King George V and King George VI using it to reassure the public during times of war or celebration.

Who is allowed on the Buckingham Palace balcony?

Since King Charles took the throne, only working royals have appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony—unlike during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, when both working and non-working royals were included.

At the VE Day 2025 celebration, King Charles was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William’s family, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and a few senior royals. Absent were Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Andrew, and other extended family members.

This reflects Charles’s plan for a modern, slimmed-down monarchy focused on duty over sentiment.

Can you stand on Buckingham Palace balcony?

Only working royals are allowed on Buckingham Palace’s balcony, and that decision is made by the monarch. While visitors can tour the room behind the balcony, standing on it is restricted.

In her final year, Queen Elizabeth II limited the balcony appearance for the Platinum Jubilee to active royals only—excluding Prince Andrew, Harry, and Meghan.

A palace spokesperson stated this change was made “after careful consideration.”

Is there an order royals follow?

Even though some people might say the event is important for the family or the country, there’s no official meaning behind the way it’s presented.

From a constitutional or royal point of view, there’s no rule about where members of the royal family stand on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Still, putting the monarch in the middle does suggest it’s done on purpose.

There’s also no formal state protocol about this. It’s simply a choice made by the royal family based on how they want to present themselves.

Usually, the King or Queen stands in the center with their spouse, while the heirs and their families are placed nearby.

The only exception is during royal weddings, when the bride and groom take center stage.

Previous appearances followed Queen’s tradition

Compared to past Trooping the Colour events, balcony appearances follow tradition but can change. There’s no fixed list—usually, it includes the monarch, their spouse, and the heirs and their partners.

Earlier events featured many royals, including cousins and grandchildren. But in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee, only working royals joined her, showing a clear shift toward a smaller, official group.

Queen Victoria kicked off the tradition

Queen Victoria began the royal balcony tradition in 1851 during the Great Exhibition. She appeared again in 1858 for her daughter’s wedding, starting a custom carried on by royal couples like Charles & Diana and William & Kate.

Harry and Meghan didn’t follow it in 2018, as their wedding took place at Windsor Castle, not near Buckingham Palace.