The announcement came, unexpectedly, from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
After weeks of will they/won’t they speculation, it’s official, Harry will attend his father’s Coronation, Meghan and the children will not.
Many people were surprised that the palace made the announcement, the Sussexes have been adamant about controlling their own press, and the palace seemed happy to leave it to them. I expected a Sussex announcement through the Telegraph, frankly!
In my mind, it shows that King Charles will always do the right thing, even when others are doing the wrong thing.
Harry is The King’s only other child; nothing will ever change that.
The more puzzling pieces are always Harry and Meghan, who have, of course, been walking contradictions since leaving the family.
When we consider the Harry of Netflix and Spare, isn’t it bizarre that he would even want to attend?
The crux of his complaint about his family is that they always chose the Firm over the Family. Remember his line, “I want a family, not an institution” ?
What about Meghan’s tale during her podcast, of an alleged fire in the nursery, and appalled that she had to continue with her official engagements on tour? Complaining to Serena Williams that, “the focus ends up being on how it looks instead of how it feels.”
And yet, Harry has now decided to fly more than 5,000 miles away to witness his father being crowned, instead of being present for his son’s birthday?
To be clear - these conflicts happen all the time with parents and families! I don’t have a problem with it. My issue is that Harry has made a fortune complaining about his father making these types of decisions, and here he is doing the very same.
And what of Harry’s demand that he needed an apology first? Telling Tom Bradby, “The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they’re willing to sit down and talk about it.”
Safe to say he didn’t get his apology…
Is it any wonder the Sussexes have lost so much public support - everywhere?
Even their fans probably struggle to understand what they want, and, at this point, most people who were once sympathetic to them are probably wondering, how much, if any of their complaints, were ever even true?
My opinion?
We all see that the Sussexes clearly lack the ability to think of others first, they are so self-absorbed they can only think of themselves, no matter the event. That was clear when the Queen was moments from death, and Harry was fighting with his father over Meghan flying to Balmoral. (As Harry recounted in his own words, in his own book, Spare)
I think the delay responding to the invitation, was because Harry was making demands - over security, housing, procession, etc.
What Harry has failed to realise, is that he’s not remotely an “official” priority anymore.
I think it’s most likely that no concessions were made by the palace, it was a matter of, “here’s your invitation, let us know your decision” - but Harry kept stalling, hoping someone would bend.
In the end, it seems it was Harry who gave in.
Despite his complaints, despite his attacks, he still very much wants to be part of that institution, actually.
I think Harry could not bear the thought of being left out and watching this event involving his family and his father on TV, like everybody else.
Personally, given all he has said and done, I wish he would keep a quiet and respectable distance, and stay away. However, I also think it would pain King Charles greatly, for his only other son to be missing.
A parent always sees you as the child you once were.
So, the Sussex saga continues. It may be a circus; it’s still living history.
And, despite the handwringing over the Jubilee last year - Harry and Meghan both attended but were barely seen and faded to insignificance that weekend.
I honestly expect the same in May.
24 Days to Go!
Great piece as always. I did comment a bit on Twitter but it's difficult with the word limitation :) Here is my take for what it's worth. I first hasten to say that I am a Royal follower (not expert) of many decades and a "California movie star" follower for an equal length of time. Having lived in Canada, the UK and the US, my take on Royals and movie stars is tempered by those three cultures. Having said all of that here is what I think:
(1) I was not at all surprised by the announcement. I had said on Twitter several days ago that I was fairly certain BP already knew what Harry was doing and that I was fairly certain he, at least was coming. Looking at what happens in "celebrity" marriages, there is a definite pattern emerging that bodes ill for Harry. First it's "stand by your man (or woman)". That happened at the Queen's funeral and Meghan waited to see what the reaction to the Netflix documentary would be. It wasn't good. And then came Harry's book and its promotion, during which period Meghan was nowhere to be seen. That's the distancing period that happens in celebrity marriages, a time that gives the media a heads up, an opportunity to opine there's trouble in paradise. Hotly denied (opinions have been muted thus far, they may get louder now that Meghan isn't coming.) Denials issued. A photo of a romantic holiday or meals out (anyone remember Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston on holiday weeks before it was announced they were separating?) And then there's the "we have decided to sadly separate although we love each other deeply."
It's a pattern that's happened over and over and I think THAT's why Harry is coming to the Coronation. Even though he is distanced (maybe) from Charles and William, he has loving family in the UK who would provide him a shoulder to cry on, advice to give. Who would take him back because that's what families do once a member is in trouble.
I firmly believe things are in motion and they are NOT looking good for Harry. No way would Meghan miss the coronation if she had any intention of remaining in this marriage for much longer. She might have been mildly booed but the Press coverage in the US would have been worth it. For her to miss it says she has something else up her sleeve and attending the coronation wouldn't play in with her plans. The Royal card has been played but was trumped; now she plays her Ace.
(2) As to the timing of the announcement, it coincides with the release of many of the notables who are attending, crowned heads of Europe and Japan, Dr. Biden, etc. Slot the announcement of Harry's coming among all the other news. Masterful of the Palace.
We shall see....
Great analysis of the situation! I always enjoy your perspective on royal matters. I did have one question - why do you think Buckingham Palace agreed to announce Harry's attendance, instead of leaving it to Harry (since he has been so vocal about speaking for himself up to now)? Even if relations were not strained, it seems a weird subject for a palace announcement, IMO.