King Charles III, has asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to negotiate a deal for Prince Harry and Meghan to attend his Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May, according to sources close to Lambeth Palace. Charles believes their absence would be a greater distraction than their presence, but Prince William is reportedly worried that Harry may use the event to create a distraction.
According to sources who spoke to the Daily Mail, Charles could offer Prince Harry a prominent seating position at the Coronation ceremony or an informal assurance that he will retain his titles as an incentive for him to attend. However, Prince William is concerned that Harry may use the event for personal gain and steal the spotlight. Negotiations with Harry are reportedly difficult as he is being advised to hold off on any agreements and wait until the last minute. Harry’s camp has stated that the idea of him attending the Coronation and then having his titles taken away is not an option. Harry objects to being grouped together with Prince Andrew as a “problem Prince” as he believes their situations are different.
Both Lambeth Palace and Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the matter, and a representative for Prince William stated they were unaware of any negotiations regarding Harry’s attendance at the Coronation. Harry’s representatives also did not respond to a request for comment. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will be performing the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, was previously asked to mediate between William and Harry following the Queen’s death in September. He was also previously involved in the drama surrounding the Sussexes when Meghan claimed in an interview that they had a secret ceremony before their official wedding in 2018, which he had to clarify was the legal marriage ceremony.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was also forced to withdraw from the Church’s General Synod in July 2019 to baptize the couple’s son, Archie. Although the King has remained silent about the allegations made in Harry’s book, insiders say he was very upset about the attacks on the Queen Consort Camilla, who Harry referred to as “dangerous” and a “villain” in TV interviews. Harry also accused William of physically attacking him and alleged that the Palace spread negative stories about Meghan in the media. He has called for a reconciliation with his family, but only if they apologize to him. A recent survey showed that 66% of the public think Harry should be invited to the Coronation, but opinions vary by age, with 75% of 18-34 year olds in favor of Harry attending and 47% of those over 55 in favor. Welby, who will be the first Archbishop to crown a monarch since Geoffrey Fisher in 1953, has expressed that he is having nightmares about the Coronation going wrong.
According to a recent poll, the majority of the public believe that Prince Harry should be invited to the upcoming Coronation. However, the survey also revealed a significant divide in opinions among different age groups, with 75% of 18 to 34-year-olds supporting Harry’s attendance, compared to only 47% of those over 55 years old.
Mr. Welby, who will officiate at the Coronation ceremony, has reportedly expressed concern about the event potentially not going as planned. He will be the first Archbishop to crown a monarch since Geoffrey Fisher in 1953.
