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Prince William and Kate away for Lilibet's first birthday as they spend day in Wales

The couple won't be around on the day

Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
May 31, 2022
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The royal family are pulling out all the stops in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. In honour of the incredible landmark, members of the household will visit the nations of the UK to meet with the public and commemorate the monarch's 70-year reign.

MORE: The Queen faces new heartbreak just days before Platinum Jubilee celebrations

That includes the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are set to travel to Cardiff Castle in Wales on Saturday, which also happens to be their niece Lilibet's first birthday.

WATCH: Platinum Jubilee: How Elizabeth became Queen

The timing of their trip means it's unlikely they will be able to see the little girl on the actual day.

READ: Prince Harry and Meghan's expected roles in Trooping the Colour revealed

MORE: Trooping the Colour explained: the history, the fashion, the photos and the highlights

The Cambridges are due to meet performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place in the castle grounds later that afternoon.

That's not to say Lilibet's birthday won't be incredibly special for the little girl. The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is expected to spend her first birthday meeting her namesake, the Queen, on the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

READ: Royally stylish: Duchess Kate's best Trooping The Colour outfits since 2011

MORE: 9 cheekiest balcony moments from royal children at Buckingham Palace

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William and Kate will spend Saturday in Cardiffas part of the Jubilee celebrations

Royal sources have stated that the monarch will no longer be attending the Epsom Derby on Saturday given her mobility issues, with the Princess Royal taking her place. As such, there is speculation that she might finally get to meet her great-grandchild.

READ: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to play big role at Trooping the Colour

MORE: Rare sighting of Archie on Prince Harry and Meghan's family day out

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Harry is returning to the UK with his family for the first time since 2020

It was previously confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be returning to mark the Queen's Jubilee. It will be the first time Harry and Meghan have brought their family to the UK since leaving for the US in 2020.

READ: Royal family forced to delete Platinum Jubilee tweet about the Queen after major error

MORE: The Queen heads to Balmoral for short break ahead of busy Jubilee celebrations

A spokeswoman for Harry and Meghan said at the time: "Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited and honoured to attend The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations this June with their children."

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The Sussexes may well take part in the Trooping the Colour on Thursday

It's not yet known which Jubilee events the Sussexes are taking part in but they will most likely attend the Queen's main birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, on Thursday 2 June.

While they won't be appearing on the balcony, they may still be part of the carriage procession down the Mall. If Archie and Lili do not ride in the carriages given their ages, they could watch their parents from the Buckingham Palace windows like other young royals have done in the past.

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