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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Inside Charles' awkward family photo - warring Wills and Harry and peacemaker Kate

It's a charming family photo that wouldn't look out of place in any home across the UK.

King Charles proudly bounces eldest grandson Prince George on his knee with Princess Charlotte sitting sweetly next to Queen Camilla.

Behind them stands a proud Prince of Wales alongside his wife Kate, who carries a baby Prince Louis, as well as a beaming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

So it's no surprise that the King appears to have picked the family snap to be part of the official souvenir programme for the Coronation.

The inclusion of the photo has raised some eyebrows, especially as Meghan will not be attending the historic event - and will be staying behind in California with children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

And not only that, reports have suggested that behind the scenes as this photo was taken chaos was ensuing.

The image was taken by Getty photographer Chris Jackson back in 2018 to mark the 70th birthday of Charles, who was then Prince of Wales.

And it seems the photo almost didn't happen at all as both William and Harry at that point were blowing "hot and cold with their father".

The royals during Christmas 2018 (PA Archive/PA Images)

In the book biography Finding Freedom, authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, write: "The boys can be hot and cold with their father' disclosed a source, who gave the example of planning the photo session for Charles' 70th birthday, which they called 'an absolute nightmare'.

"'Neither William nor Harry made much of an effort to make themselves available', the source said."

However, the photoshoot did eventually go ahead, with the Daily Mail reporting it was down to Charles' daughter-in-law Kate.

Harry is attending the Coronation - but Meghan isn't (AFP via Getty Images)

It reports that Kate was instrumental in making the portrait happen, which sees her children beaming and cosying up to Charles.

There had been long-standing claims that Charles was unhappy he did not get to see enough of the Wales family.

It is said Kate made arrangements for the shoot to take place and later she even took her own delightful photo of her husband embracing his father.

The 84-page official souvenir, which costs £20 and features the snap, went on sale on Monday ahead of the Coronation on Saturday, May 6.

It was announced last week Harry will be part of the congregation inside Westminster Abbey to witness King Charles and Queen Camilla being crowned.

Meghan did receive an invite to the Coronation but decided to stay at home.

The Palace said in a statement: "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."

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