Prince Harry has confirmed his attendance at his father’s coronation, which is scheduled for May 6th, coinciding with his son Archie’s fourth birthday.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation and discussions surrounding the prince’s role in the ceremony.
While Harry initially hesitated due to concerns over his placement and recognition of his children within the royal family, he ultimately decided to participate.
Sources close to the prince reveal that Harry had been contemplating his involvement for quite some time.
He confided in a trusted former equerry, who maintains a good relationship with both Harry and Prince William, about his intentions at the beginning of last month.
Although Harry initially referred to his participation as an “in-and-out job,” he now plans to use the occasion to reconnect with his limited circle of UK-based friends, which currently consists of only six individuals.
The delay in Harry’s confirmation has been widely attributed to his dissatisfaction with being positioned behind senior royals during the Westminster Abbey service.
However, a significant factor contributing to his decision was his desire for his children, Archie and Lilibet, to be acknowledged publicly by the royal family.
With Archie’s birthday coinciding with the coronation, it presented an ideal opportunity for the young prince to receive special recognition.
There were rumors that Prince Charles, Harry’s father and the soon-to-be-crowned king, would make a gracious gesture towards Archie during the post-procession coronation lunch.
It was suggested that Charles might raise a glass in honor of his grandson.
However, it seems unlikely that such a toast will take place if no members of the Sussex family are present at the lunch.
This entire episode has been described as a tug-of-war, emblematic of the ongoing challenges between Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes.
Harry finds disputes over protocol rules, hierarchy, and perceived slights particularly triggering.
Additional points of contention have arisen regarding balcony positions at Buckingham Palace and the restriction on young children’s presence in Westminster Abbey.
The king’s aides firmly adhere to the protocol that only working members of the royal family should appear on the balcony during public appearances.
Consequently, there is no space allocated for Harry or even Prince Andrew.
Supporters of Harry argue that Queen Elizabeth II had both Prince Charles and Princess Anne on the balcony following her own coronation.
These discrepancies fuel the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the palace.
Another source of strain is the relationship between Harry and his cousin Princess Eugenie.
Reports suggest that their connection has become strained, particularly after Eugenie’s mother, Meghan, Duchess of York, made critical comments about the royal family.
This situation puts Eugenie in an uncomfortable position if she encounters Harry during the coronation on May 6th.
Protocol disputes are not new to the Sussexes.
They have encountered similar misunderstandings regarding seating arrangements at various events in the past.
During their early dating years in 2016, there were disagreements over seating at West London dinner parties.