Harry, Meghan’s demands be ‘chaos’ at King Charles coronation

News

By Nika Shakhnazarova

March 18, 2023 | 1:23 p.m.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly demanded a place on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during King Charles’ coronation – and recognition at the festivities for their two young children, according to a report.

The demands, and the couple’s apparent attire until their wishes are granted, could throw the historic event into “chaos”, royal insiders fear.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex – who recently received their invitations to the May 6 ceremony – are still debating whether or not they will make the 5,459-mile journey.

If they leave, the exiled royals will be greeted with a ‘cold shoulder’ by senior members of the royal family, according to a report.

Harry and Meghan are primarily concerned about the role of their children – Prince Archie, who will be 4 the day his grandfather is crowned king, and Princess Lilibet, 1, a source close to the palace said OK! Magazine.

It is believed that Archie and Lilibet were not invited to attend the coronation, which was reportedly not very well received by the exiled royal family.

“The palace is trying to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible because they cannot go through with it. It could lead to chaos,” an insider told the outlet.

“However, what the Sussexes are asking for is that they be included with the rest of the family at the Palace later today,” the insider added.

“It’s also Prince Archie’s birthday on the day of the coronation, so they would like some sort of nod to that over lunch or a happy hour. Even if it’s just a mention of happy birthday.

The absence of the two youngsters from the event had “never been a bone of contention”, according to the source, due to the “fussiness and temper tantrums” typical of small children.

Harry and Meghan are also said to be pushing to be included on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the big day – a royal protocol reserved strictly for working members of the royal family only.

“It could very well end in a stalemate and they won’t be present. But the palace is doing everything in its power to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Charles is set to be officially crowned on May 6, a date that fans say was chosen specifically to cause row over the Sussexes and Archie’s birthday.

Meanwhile, leaked plans have revealed Prince William’s children are set to take part in the coronation, The Times reports.

George, 9, Charlotte, 7 and Louis, 5, are about to join their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, in a horse-drawn carriage behind a Gold State Coach carrying the King and Queen, shots seen by the output broadcast.

The coronation drama is the latest sign of discord among the royal family since the Sussexes stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

The move led to strife and bad blood and ultimately led to their absence from the palace balcony during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last summer.

The Post has contacted representatives for the Sussexes, while Kensington Palace declined to comment.