The coronation of King Charles will take place in London on May 6, 2023. A historic event for the royal family and the world. But the anticipation of the extraordinary celebrations is overshadowed by the revelations of his youngest son – and the question of whether he dares to travel across the pond with his wife after the attacks on closest relatives and the British press. Despite all the skepticism, six reasons could speak for it.
Will Prince Harry, 38, and Duchess Meghan, 41, jump over their shadows and honor King Charles, 74, on the occasion of his coronation? Everything is still open. Neither the palace nor the ducal couple of Sussex have so far confirmed participation or even a cancellation for the historic ceremony.
The fronts are hardened: A Netflix documentary about the love and suffering of the Sussexes under the spell of the monarchy and Harry’s belligerent memoirs entitled “Spare” (Eng.: “Reserve”) have deepened the previously only suspected rifts for everyone to see. But despite the apparently hopeless hope for a reconciliation of the king’s offspring with the snubbed next of kin, there could well be indications of a meeting on May 6, 2023 in Westminster Abbey.
6 facts that speak in favor of the Susexes attending the coronation of King Charles
1. Prince Harry does not rule out his presence
He keeps an option open and is ready for talks: Despite all the scorched earth, Prince Harry can still imagine attending his father’s coronation. In an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby shortly before the publication of his explosive memoirs on January 8, 2023, he indicated a willingness to reconcile on the occasion of the major event: “A lot can still happen before then. But the door is always open. The ball is in her field,” the royal replied when asked about his attendance, while signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue: “There’s a lot to talk about and I really hope they’re willing to sit down and talk about it.”
2. The king offspring longs for reconciliation
After the publication of “Spare” there was allegedly radio silence between Prince Harry, Charles and his brother Prince William, 41, who he attacked particularly sharply. Nevertheless, in interviews on the occasion of the book’s publication, he showed himself willing to hold peace talks – albeit on the condition that these were under four to guide eyes. “I don’t think my father or my brother will read the book. … But what they have to say to me and what I have to say to them stays between us and I hope it can stay that way,” said he in conversation with Tom Bradby.
Harry’s written allegations are serious: In his memoirs, he describes an overwhelmed father who did not understand how to build closeness and trust with the half-orphaned sons after the death of his beloved mother Princess Diana, †36. And he describes an escalating argument with his brother, in which he is said to have grabbed him roughly and pushed him to the ground.
Nevertheless, he emphasized in the ITV interview: “I love my father, I love my brother and I love the family.” He even asserted that from his point of view, the harrowing statements about his relationship with the two should not be taken as an attack: “Nothing I have written, nothing I have recorded should ever hurt my family.”
3. King Charles has received spiritual counsel
The British royal family is believed to be religious. It is probably also a matter of trust in God that the monarch has promised his second child at his coronation. Charles is said to have asked the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, 67, to approach Harry to ask him to attend the coronation – and to avoid any unexpected and awkward scenarios beforehand. In short: Harry and Meghan should not appear improperly and thus overshadow his historic moment.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the cleric is said to be negotiating an agreement between the estranged brothers in particular. Harry should be encouraged to attend. The assurance of being able to keep his royal title should also help.
4. Harry might decide to make a flying visit
Already at the platinum anniversary of Queen Elizabeth, †96, it became clear: The Sussexes do not value an extended family visit. Just in time for the start of the celebrations in June 2022, the couple traveled to London with their children, made two official appearances and shortly afterwards disappeared back to the USA.
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The prince’s presence at the coronation could also be limited in time. The “Daily Mail” claims to have learned from an unnamed source that his flying visit should not last longer than 48 hours – and could take place without his wife. Their son Archie celebrates his 4th birthday on the grandfather’s day of honor. A good reason for Meghan to stay in native Montecito with firstborn and daughter Lilibet Diana, 1. The best excuse for Harry to return to California early to celebrate his offspring – albeit belatedly.
5. Palace officials see Harry’s participation as assured
At Buckingham Palace, there seems to be no doubt that Prince Harry will be in London for his father’s coronation. And Duchess Meghan is apparently not yet completely written off in the planning. “They will definitely be invited and we expect that they will come,” a court official told The Sun.
The preparations have been in full swing for a long time. Those responsible are dependent on participants canceling or accepting at an early stage. Around 2,000 people are invited to the historic act in Westminster Abbey. That’s only a quarter of the number of eyewitnesses present at his mother’s coronation in 1953. Nevertheless, processes and the safety of the guests have to be planned well in advance.
6. Royal appetizers for the estranged son
Since Prince Harry’s scandalous revelations in December 2022 and January 2023, there has been speculation as to whether he will retain his royal titles after these harshly delivered affronts to his family and the monarchy. Calls for it were even heard in Parliament. Bob Seely, 56, a Conservative MP, wants to introduce a bill that could strip the Sussexes of their titles.
But here, as already mentioned, the Archbishop of Canterbury comes into play. If he manages to lure the Sussexes into Westminster Abbey on May 6 – with the promise of a prominent place in the church, of course – King Charles will not break the baton on the prodigal son and daughter-in-law. However, whether the iron silence will come to an end with this deal is not only in his hands. The crown will probably not fix that on its own.
Sources used: dailymail.co.uk, thesun.co.uk