The announcement is official: Prince Harry will attend the coronation of his father Charles III alone, while his wife will remain in the United States with their two children. An announcement severely commented by the British investigative journalist Tom Bower, interviewed by Gala.fr.
The answer fell on Wednesday 12 April, in the afternoon: after much procrastination, Prince Harry will indeed attend the coronation of his father on 6 May in Westminster Abbey … but without his wife Meghan Markle, nor their two children. “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet,” it said.
This news was strongly criticised in the British press. For the investigative journalist Tom Bower, interviewed by Gala.fr on the occasion of the French release of his book La revanche (Hachette), this decision by the Sussexes sounds like “an inglorious compromise. No one will be satisfied, but it is a victory for William and Catherine Princess Of Wales and a defeat for Meghan. The Duchess of Sussex has destroyed any possibility of a return and her children have been excluded.”
Phew of relief for Catherine Princess Of Wales and Prince William
With Meghan Markle staying in the US with her children, Catherine Princess Of Wales and Prince William are sure to avoid another tense face-off, and also avoid Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet stealing the limelight from Prince George, who will play a key role in the religious ceremony, or overshadowing the three children of the Princess and Prince of Wales on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. No nod to the young boy who will celebrate his birthday on the same day as the King’s coronation.
No, the Duchess of Sussex will celebrate her son Archie’s birthday in privacy. She is expected to be surrounded by a few close friends and supported by her mother, Doria Ragland. Royal correspondent Omid Scobie, who is close to the Sussexes, said: “We can expect a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only attend the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey. The minimum service in short.
Photos credits: Bestimage