The will-they-won't-they speculation is finally over. Prince Harry has accepted the invitation to his father's coronation, but he'll attend without his wife, the Duchess of Sussex.
We'd known for some time that the pair were on the coveted guestlist, and that the palace was waiting on a decision. However, one thing that wasn't clear was whether the Sussexes' children had also been invited.
That's worth remembering as coronation day falls on May 6, which coincides with Prince Archie's 4th birthday.
It could be that tensions remain between the Sussexes and the wider Windsor clan or perhaps Meghan opted to stay behind so that one of Archie's parents was with their eldest son on his birthday. We understand the latter certainly played into the decision behind Harry's solo appearance.
Focus now turns to how much involvement Harry will have in the weekend of celebrations and whether his presence means the family is moving on from the rift that has often captured headlines.
The palace says it won't comment at this point on whether the duke will appear on Buckingham Palace's famous balcony following the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. That would suggest conversations are still ongoing over how many family members will step out on to the viewpoint looking back down to the Mall.
Realistically, it seems likely that if there is a larger family appearance, then Harry would of course be included. But if it's limited to just working royals, as has been the case for more recent royal occasions, then he won't. |
CNN royal historian Kate Williams described the upcoming appearance from the King's son as a "flying visit."
"[Prince Harry] is coming for this major event of his father's coronation but it's not going to be a family reunion. We're not going to see lots of big family meetups. Certainly, there has been damage done," she explains.
Williams adds that his presence is a "show of unity" but that we'll need to see what happens at the service and what role the fifth-in-line to the throne may have.
She continues: "There was a key part at the end of the coronation when the peers do homage to the King and certainly in the Queen's coronation, the first to do that was her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. We do expect in the King's coronation, Prince William to come up very quickly to pay homage to the King. Now, will Harry be doing that as well?
"Where will Harry be sitting? Will he be sitting at the front with William and Catherine? Or will he be sitting further back with the other dignitaries? I understand that one of the reasons why it's been taking a bit of time for Harry's answer to come was he wanted certainty on these questions." |
A solo appearance may disappoint fans of the Duchess of Sussex, but the solution appears to be a good compromise for all involved. Some may see Meghan's absence as a slight against the family, while others are saying it avoids awkward family run-ins. Political activist Shola Mos-Shogbamimu said Meghan's decision to say no to "Britain's most powerful family" was "empowering."
Ultimately, Williams says this is a "big family moment" and Harry knows his father wants him to be there, and the prince wants to be there. You can imagine that Charles will surely be delighted now it's confirmed both of his sons will be present when he is crowned.
Beyond Harry, speculation surrounding the names of invitees continues. While traveling with Prince William in Poland recently, we learned that the Polish president will be coming so we know that allies of key nations have been invited. We also mentioned in last week's newsletter how Jill Biden will represent the US delegation. But the palace isn't putting out a full list -- instead, they are allowing guests to announce their own attendance if they want to.
More specifics from the palace this week also revealed the processional route, carriages and the priceless crown jewels that will play a central role in the ceremonial celebrations next month.
Get the low down on the latest coronation details here. |
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📺 Watch: King Charles to use two carriages on coronation day. |
Buckingham Palace has unveiled the carriages to be used in the processions before and after the King's coronation on May 6. Have a look: |
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King Charles led the royal family down from Windsor Castle to St. George's Chapel on a bright and sunny Easter Sunday morning for the annual service. Among the senior royals was Prince Andrew who made a rare, public appearance and was seen walking alongside his sister, Princess Anne.
The family gathering would likely have been a poignant moment as one of the last times so many of the family gathered at the 15th century Gothic place of worship was in September for the late Queen's committal service and private burial following her state funeral at Westminster in London.
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"For the procession from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey, it'll be the Diamond State Coach which Their Majesties will be in. It'll be a smaller procession. And then after the coronation service itself, they'll return in the Gold State Coach with an enormous procession with all the pageantry that Britain can muster." |
The Earl Marshall, who is responsible for organizing the coronation, details what the processions will look like on coronation day. |
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