Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, cries as she, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth. Reuters
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, cries as she, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth. Reuters
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, cries as she, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth. Reuters
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, cries as she, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Queen Elizabeth. Reuters

What role will Prince Harry play in the king's coronation?


Gillian Duncan
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On Wednesday, it was finally confirmed that Prince Harry will be attending King Charles III's upcoming coronation.

But his wife Meghan and their children will not make the trip from their home in California, Buckingham Palace said, ending months of speculation about whether the couple would come.

So what role will the prince play in the ceremony? And why will Meghan not attend?

Why did it take so long for the Sussexes to decide?

The Duke of Sussex agonised over the decision due to the ongoing rift with his father and brother, Prince William, after repeatedly criticising the pair, most notably in his controversial memoir Spare at the start of the year.

His wife Meghan also criticised the monarchy in the couple's Netflix documentary and accused an unnamed senior royal of racism in her Oprah interview and the institution of failing to help her when she was suicidal.

The matter was also complicated by the coronation being held on Prince Archie's fourth birthday.

A deadline to confirm the couple's attendance passed on April 3 without word on whether they would show for the ceremony.

Reports emerged that their refusal to do so plunged arrangements for Operation Golden Orb into chaos, with organisers unable to confirm seating plans and security arrangements.

But on Wednesday it was announced Prince Harry will attend, reportedly because he feared living to regret the decision if he did not.

Why won't Meghan be there and is her absence a snub?

With May 6 being Archie's birthday, Meghan is staying in California with her son and Princess Lilibet.

Some will brand it a snub, but others will say it is sensible and that Harry being there and Meghan not is the best compromise.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and son Archie in a video shared as part of Prince Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey. YouTube
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and son Archie in a video shared as part of Prince Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey. YouTube

Political activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu called it "empowering" for Meghan to say no to Britain's "most powerful family", adding: "I'm here for Meghan not giving a damn what anyone thinks."

By missing the ceremony, she also avoids a huge media circus and a potentially uncomfortable appearance alongside the royal family.

What role will Harry perform on the day?

He is expected to just be a guest, although that has yet to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace.

Blood princes traditionally pay homage to the monarch and the ritual involves placing their hands between the King's and swearing allegiance, touching the crown and kissing the King's left cheek.

But it has been suggested William will be the only blood prince to do so this time, removing the dilemma of whether to involve the disgraced Duke of York or former working royal Harry in the proceedings.

Prince William and Prince Harry through the years - in pictures

  • Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession towards St George's Chapel in September 2022 in Windsor. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession towards St George's Chapel in September 2022 in Windsor. Getty Images
  • The royal brothers attend a vigil in honour of the queen at Westminster Hall, central London. Getty Images
    The royal brothers attend a vigil in honour of the queen at Westminster Hall, central London. Getty Images
  • Prince William, his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Westminster Hall as the queen's coffin is carried in. Getty Images
    Prince William, his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Westminster Hall as the queen's coffin is carried in. Getty Images
  • The princes and their wives on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, heading to meet mourners who had gathered and left tributes to Queen Elizabeth. Getty Images
    The princes and their wives on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, heading to meet mourners who had gathered and left tributes to Queen Elizabeth. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, in July 2021. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, in July 2021. Getty Images
  • The princes at the ceremonial procession during the funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in April 2021. Getty Images
    The princes at the ceremonial procession during the funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in April 2021. Getty Images
  • The princes are joined by their wives for a Commonwealth Day service in March 2020 in London. Getty Images
    The princes are joined by their wives for a Commonwealth Day service in March 2020 in London. Getty Images
  • (L-R) Prince William, Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles — now king — and Prince Harry attend the world premiere of Our Planet at London's Natural History Museum in April 2019. Getty Images
    (L-R) Prince William, Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles — now king — and Prince Harry attend the world premiere of Our Planet at London's Natural History Museum in April 2019. Getty Images
  • The princes and their wives leave a Christmas Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, in December 2018. Getty Images
    The princes and their wives leave a Christmas Day service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham, in December 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry attend the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre in 2018 in London. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry attend the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre in 2018 in London. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry watch the RAF 100th anniversary flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the queen, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry watch the RAF 100th anniversary flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside the queen, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Getty Images
  • Prince William, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry attend an Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2018. Getty Images
    Prince William, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry attend an Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry with his best man, Prince William, as they wait for the start of his wedding ceremony to Meghan in 2018. Getty Images
    Prince Harry with his best man, Prince William, as they wait for the start of his wedding ceremony to Meghan in 2018. Getty Images
  • The princes race against each other at a London Marathon training day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2017. Getty Images
    The princes race against each other at a London Marathon training day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2017. Getty Images
  • The princes try out light sabres during a tour of the Star Wars sets at Pinewood studio, London, in 2016. Getty Images
    The princes try out light sabres during a tour of the Star Wars sets at Pinewood studio, London, in 2016. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William raise their wands on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Getty Images
    Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William raise their wands on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Getty Images
  • The princes take part in the late queen's diamond jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2012. Getty Images
    The princes take part in the late queen's diamond jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2012. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave from the royal barge Spirit of Chartwell in 2012. Getty Images
    Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave from the royal barge Spirit of Chartwell in 2012. Getty Images
  • Prince William takes the hand of his bride Kate, followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as they walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 2011. Getty Images
    Prince William takes the hand of his bride Kate, followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton as they walk down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 2011. Getty Images
  • The princes chat before the wedding in 2011. Getty Images
    The princes chat before the wedding in 2011. Getty Images
  • The princes pose with David Beckham at an FA reception in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getty Images
    The princes pose with David Beckham at an FA reception in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getty Images
  • The princes on a visit to a classroom lit by oil lamps in Semongkong, Lesotho, in 2010. Getty Images
    The princes on a visit to a classroom lit by oil lamps in Semongkong, Lesotho, in 2010. Getty Images
  • The princes celebrate a try during the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa in 2007. Getty Images
    The princes celebrate a try during the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa in 2007. Getty Images
  • The princes pose for an official photograph for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005. Getty Images
    The princes pose for an official photograph for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2005. Getty Images
  • The princes follow the coffin of their grandmother and Princess Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, in 2004. Getty Images
    The princes follow the coffin of their grandmother and Princess Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, in 2004. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince Harry and Prince William look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 2003. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince Harry and Prince William look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 2003. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry appear at a photo call in the Swiss village of Klosters at the start of his annual skiing holiday in 2002. Getty Images
    Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry appear at a photo call in the Swiss village of Klosters at the start of his annual skiing holiday in 2002. Getty Images
  • Princes William and Harry appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in 2001. Getty Images
    Princes William and Harry appear with the Queen Mother during celebrations to mark her 101st birthday in 2001. Getty Images
  • Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin of Princess Diana in September 1997. Getty Images
    Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin of Princess Diana in September 1997. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Prince Harry pose with Princess Diana and Prince Charles on Prince William's first day at Eton College in 1995. Getty Images
    Prince William and Prince Harry pose with Princess Diana and Prince Charles on Prince William's first day at Eton College in 1995. Getty Images
  • Princess Diana with the young princes at the piano in Kensington Palace in 1985. Getty Images
    Princess Diana with the young princes at the piano in Kensington Palace in 1985. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles and Princess Diana with their sons aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Venice in 1985. Getty Images
    Prince Charles and Princess Diana with their sons aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Venice in 1985. Getty Images

Despite the rift, the royal family is well versed at putting on a united front in public.

It will, however, be the first time the king, the Queen Consort, William and the Princess of Wales have been pictured with Harry since he criticised them in his tell-all memoir.

Where will the duke sit in Westminster Abbey?

Harry is expected to be sat alongside other members of the royal family, but it is not yet known whether the King's second son will have a front row seat.

For the late Queen's state funeral in the Abbey, the duke was in the second row with Meghan, directly behind Charles and Camilla.

Seating arrangements usually have a different format at coronations to weddings and funerals.

Will Harry join the grand royal procession back to the Palace and will he appear on the balcony?

It has not yet been confirmed.

Charles and Camilla are travelling back from the Abbey in the opulent horse-drawn Gold State Coach, taking a slow 1.3 mile route to the Palace as part of a huge military parade.

Other royals are expected take part in the celebratory journey.

It is also not known whether he will appear on the balcony. For the Platinum Jubilee, the late Queen dictated that only working members of the royal family would appear on the famous balcony, ruling out Harry and Meghan. It will be down to the King to decide.

What will Harry wear to the coronation?

The Gentlemen's dress code is morning dress, lounge suit or uniform.

Harry served in the Armed Forces for more than a decade, but at most official events following the death of the late queen, he was in civilian dress including at her state funeral because he is not a working royal.

Prince William, King Charles III and Prince Harry walk behind the coffin during the procession for the lying-in state of Queen Elizabeth II. Getty
Prince William, King Charles III and Prince Harry walk behind the coffin during the procession for the lying-in state of Queen Elizabeth II. Getty

It is not known if he will be allowed to a military uniform to the coronation, and the King, head of the Armed Forces, will have the last say.

Harry is permitted to wear his decorations, which would include his Afghanistan war medals and his Jubilee medals.

May 6 is also a Collar Day on which insignia of certain members of British orders of knighthood may be worn. Harry is a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Will Harry attend any other coronation festivities?

No. The prince is expected to make a quick exit to fly back to the US to be with Meghan and the children - in particular Archie, for his birthday weekend.

The duke will miss the concert at Windsor Castle and Big Lunch celebrations on the Sunday, and not be part of Monday's Big Help Out volunteering drive, but Harry is not a working member of the royal family.

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Updated: April 13, 2023, 1:15 PM