In a surprising twist, Prince Harry has reportedly been excluded from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the highly anticipated coronation of King Charles.
Sources close to royal circles revealed that if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex choose to attend the event on May 6, they will likely not be part of the royal family‘s balcony appearance.
Details of the coronation festivities were unveiled over the weekend, with the palace confirming a grand lineup of events, including a major concert at Windsor Castle the following day.
These celebrations are part of King Charles’ commitment to present himself as the “people’s king,” resonating with modern values.
Unlike in previous years, today’s technological advancements enable a global audience to partake in watching the historic moments live.
Anticipation is building around a three-day celebration planned for the coronation weekend.
This will involve two parades on the day of the coronation, where King Charles is expected to wave to crowds alongside Queen Consort Camilla from Buckingham Palace’s balcony.
As for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their attendance remains uncertain.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward speculated that while Harry may make an appearance, Meghan’s participation is still in doubt.
This isn’t the first time restrictions have affected the Sussexes and their royal outings.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, balcony appearances were limited to working royals alone.
Consequently, Prince Andrew, along with Harry and Meghan—who have stepped back from royal duties—found themselves on the sidelines.
While there’s been no formal announcement barring the Sussexes from attending the coronation itself, it coincidentally falls on their son Archie‘s fourth birthday.
Rumors suggest the couple will miss out on significant public engagements while the royal family takes center stage.
However, photographs from past events depict Harry mingling with the family despite not appearing on the balcony during the Jubilee.
Close friend of the Sussexes, Omid Scobie, indicated that it was Harry and Meghan’s decision to limit their participation in the previous festivities, rather than any mandate from the royal family.
After the coronation deed is done, it seems Harry will also skip the balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace—a moment many anticipated.
The Duke of Sussex opted to attend the crowning ceremony in London, while Meghan stayed in California with their children.
The historic occasion provided a platform for the royals to gather and greet the public, marking a significant milestone.
Harry’s last balcony appearance was during the Trooping the Colour event in June 2019, where Meghan was also by his side.
During the 2022 Jubilee, instead of being on the balcony with the rest of the royal family, the Sussexes watched the Trooping the Colour parade from a more remote location, an action prompted by the narrowed royal guest list established by the late queen.
As coronation day approached, speculation mounted regarding Harry’s attendance, given his non-working status within the royal sphere.
A close confidant remarked that Harry’s commitment to support his father remained strong despite ongoing tensions within the family.
King Charles’ balcony appearance after the coronation service is particularly significant—this will be his first public wave as king.
The long-standing tradition of the British royal family stepping onto the balcony for special occasions reinforces its importance for royal lineage and public engagement.
Historically, King Charles embodied royal tradition, following in the footsteps of his ancestors who presented themselves on that same balcony after their own coronations.
This ceremonial act is not just a display of royal stature; it signifies the official acceptance of a monarch in the eyes of the people.
As expected, King Charles’ balcony moment will showcase a slimmed-down royal family.
Sources have indicated that this appearance will serve as a farewell to certain members who are moving towards retirement, a gesture of gratitude for their service alongside the late monarch.
Notably, Prince Andrew will also be absent from the balcony as he has distanced himself from royal duties due to recent controversies.
The roster of royal family members witnessing this pivotal moment will include working royals such as King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, among others, ensuring that the day’s proceedings remain in line with the current royal structure.