Prince Harry is officially attending his father’s coronation amid a ton of speculation—not to mention claims that his delay in RSVP-ing was causing a “headache” for the palace staff. This is obviously a hugely important day for King Charles, and he’s including a ton of royal family members in the ceremony—including Prince George, who will be a page. But when it comes to Prince Harry’s role in the coronation? It appears to be…nonexistent. Here’s what we know.
First Up, Read Buckingham Palace’s Official Statement on Harry
It’s short and sweet vague:
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
He’s Literally Only Showing Up to One Event
Harry will be at King Charles’ coronation ceremony, but according to the Daily Mail, “He is not expected to take part in the procession after the service or join other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, or for other celebrations.”
Royal reporter Omid Scobie also confirmed this on Twitter, writing, “Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the U.K. for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.”
So basically Harry will be in the audience along with other guests and VIPs when King Charles is coronated (TBD on where he’s seated) and will then leave while the rest of the royals “celebrate” aka go on a fancy walk.
There Have Been Arguments Over “Minimizing” Harry’s Presence
Apparently, one of the reasons the palace took so long to confirm Harry’s attendance at the coronation was due to BTS conversations about how much he’d be featured in the ceremony. Per royal author Tom Bower (via The Express), “The arguments over the last few days have been very much to minimize his presence in the Abbey.”
The Daily Mail also notes there has been a lot of “sensitivity” surrounding negotiations between Harry and the palace, which don’t want to be accused of leaking stories to the press. As a result, conversations were limited to “only a tiny group of senior officials.”
Harry’s Interaction With the Royals Is Expected to Be…Tense
According to the Daily Mail, Prince William has “no plans to speak” to his brother, while “sources have suggested” that other family members also have “no interest in talking with Harry” aside from the “most basic of greetings” (with the probable exception of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who are still close with Harry.)
Quick FYI on Why Meghan Isn’t Attending
The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California for Prince Archie’s birthday (which is on the same day as the coronation), and a source told Page Six this was “a decision they made together as a family” that “felt genuine and authentic, especially after everything that has been said and all the things that have gone down.”
That said, royal author Tom Bower alleged (via The Express) that Kate Middleton “prevented Meghan coming and said she wouldn’t have her there under any circumstances.” Which is wild if true, but no one has confirmed so take this with several grains of salt.
Anyway, we’ll be updating this when/if more info emerges on Prince Harry’s role at his dad’s coronation, aka the most awkward family reunion of all time!!!!