The decision to exclude Prince Harry aims to draw a line under recent controversy and to avoid “complications” in the coronation ceremony.
Prince Harry is set to attend his father, King Charles III, coronation this weekend – which is now considered to be the world’s most uncomfortable family reunion.
Despite the extensive planning that has gone into Harry’s participation, including seating him far away from his brother Prince William to prevent the media from taking photos of them together, he is not expected to have any formal responsibilities at the event.
In a conversation with Us Weekly regarding Harry’s return home, Gareth Russell, a royal authority, mentioned that it is unsurprising that Prince Harry was not given a role in the coronation. The decision was taken not to make things more complicated by involving him, simply because the royal family is attempting to end the recent dispute with the Duke of Sussex.
“It’s not surprising that Prince Harry hasn’t been given a role in the coronation, and the decision was made not to complicate matters further by having him involved…simply because…the royals are hoping that they can draw a line under the recent controversy with the Duke of Sussex,” said Russell.
Russell explained that both the king and Prince William, like Prince Harry, would feel regretful if he did not attend the event. Therefore, it is generally agreed that it is appropriate for Prince Harry to be there. It’s likely better for him to attend as King Charles’s son rather than as a working prince of the United Kingdom.
“Prince Harry, as would the king and Prince William, would regret if he wasn’t there,” Russell explained. “So I think generally speaking, the consensus is it’s right that he’s there. It’s probably best that he’s there as King Charles’s son rather than as a working prince of the United Kingdom.”
Even though Prince Harry will not have an official role and is expected to fly back to California shortly after the coronation, in time for his son Archie’s birthday party, Prince William and Prince George have roles to play.
Prince William will present King Charles with a stole and robe during the ceremony, and Prince George will serve as one of his grandfather’s pages of honor.