Prince Harry’s ‘preoccupation’ with coronation detail reportedly delayed invitation acceptance

Prince Harry was reportedly keen to know more about a specific coronation detail prior to his invitation acceptance being confirmed

Prince Harry's "preoccupation" explained. Seen here he arrives at Westminster Abbey
(Image credit: Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

It’s claimed Prince Harry’s “preoccupation” with a specific coronation detail reportedly played a part in his invitation acceptance being delayed.  


With less than a month to go until King Charles’ coronation day and speculation rising over who is invited to King Charles’ coronation and who will be attending, we now have confirmation that Prince Harry will be making the trip over. However, he’ll be doing so alone, with a Buckingham Palace statement announcing that he will be at the ceremony and Meghan Markle will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This decision which has been dubbed Prince Harry’s “compromise” by some means King Charles sadly won’t get to see his daughter-in-law and Sussex grandchildren over this momentous coronation weekend.

News that Prince Harry will be there came over a month after the Sussexes confirmed they’d received an invitation. Now it’s been alleged that Prince Harry’s “preoccupation” with a coronation detail contributed to the delay in this final attendance announcement. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex announces a partnership between Booking.com, SkyScanner, CTrip, TripAdvisor and Visa called 'Travalyst'

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According to the Daily Mail, sources have indicated to the publication that Prince Harry was reportedly keen to know the seating plan for the coronation ceremony. This will take place at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding ceremony was held. 

It’s claimed that the Duke of Sussex was engaged in “transatlantic ping-pong” with London over where he and Meghan would be seated if they attended. Neither Buckingham Palace nor Prince Harry have confirmed the reports, though the Daily Mail claim that multiple sources have suggested there have been “extensive discussions” going on. 

Jack Brooksbank, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the National Service of Thanksgiving

(Image credit: Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“Harry's side was keen to find out, presumably because they wanted to rubber-stamp it, what the seating plan at the Abbey is. There's been extensive back and forth about who they [the Duke and Duchess of Sussex] would be sitting behind if they came. And who would be behind them,” one source alleged.

They also claimed that Prince Harry was supposedly quite “preoccupied” with this coronation detail in the lead-up to it being confirmed he’d accepted his invitation. Planning for the big day is now well underway and whilst fans won’t know who is sitting where until the ceremony.

The Royal Family on the day of Queen Elizabeth's funeral

(Image credit: Photo by Bryn Colton/Getty Images)

However, many will no doubt just be delighted to see Prince Harry reuniting with the immediate and extended Royal Family for this national occasion. The Duke of Sussex's attendance will be the first time he's been seen alongside the wider Royal Family in public since Queen Elizabeth's funeral last year.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!